Turning 5

Jonah turned 5 last week and it was filled with much fanfare and fun, despite the circumstances.  This season of life is teaching new lessons about what celebration looks like.  Celebration doesn't need anything other than ordinary - it doesn't need glitter, confetti or special plates - celebration is a state of your heart and soul, gratitude realized.

As Jonah opened some birthday cards, Julia snuggled in and snuck a little TV.

Jonah was able to transfer to RIC on his actual birthday, which was the best gift Lurie could have given him as he much prefers to be at RIC.  As a reflection of the heart of RIC, they hosted a doggie/Cars themed birthday party for him and invited the whole floor.

Many of you participated in a birthday card drive for Jonah.  The original vision was to lace the cards up bunting style and decorate his room.  The cards came in so fast and furious that the original idea became an overwhelming craft project, so instead, they're all hanging in a bag right now.  Even now, almost a week later we've still got cards coming in.  We also received a number of sweet birthday videos, all of which were heartwarming and special.  Thank you to all who participated, there were so many cards that the act of opening them has become a daily activity and a reminder of the community that cares.

Anna can always be counted on to help open presents, and this birthday was no different.

Jonah got some extra birthday company with a few of the UIC Flames swim team, which adopted Jonah as part of the team earlier this fall.  The girls and coach joined the RIC festivities and helped all the kids with crafts and nerf gun wars.  Great fun was had by all.

For his actual birthday, Jonah got Sprinkles cupcakes.  For his RIC party they had a Cars cake to add to the fun.

Here's the whole family crowded around the birthday boy while he opens gifts.

It took days to get through all the birthday cards.  Here we're reading a homemade card from a friend.

A proud mummy & daddy and their new 5 year old boy.

Even Liz got into the poising action for a birthday photo, which almost never happens.

Lots of birthday cards had "bonuses" that have been lots of fun to play with.  Here Jonah sports a mustache and a Minon singing watch from some friends.

We have a family tradition that on the morning of your birthday you wake up with that number of balloons in your room.  Jonah loved his 5 balloons and thought it was fun to get tangled up in them.

Willie, the Wildcat (NU's mascot), came to visit Jonah on his birthday and share some extra sweet NU swag.  He got a football signed by the head coach, a sweatshirt blanket, lots of hats, a water bottle and on and on.  The visit was a fun distraction and a great way to make the day special.