A Polar Express Party

I knew months ago that I wanted to celebrate Jackson’s 4th Birthday with a Polar Express party. To say he loves trains would be an understatement and he simply adores the movie Polar Express (we watch it year-round).

Another perk? I wouldn’t have to worry about Christmas decorations being in his birthday photos.

Here’s the stinky thing about having a birthday in December – sickness is all. over. the. place. 

Jackson’s first birthday came with an RSV diagnosis.

His second birthday he was recovering from a tonsillectomy.

His third birthday? He started puking as soon as the guests left.

I prayed and prayed we’d make it through Jackson’s birthday (and Christmas please) before someone got sick, but it just wasn’t meant to be.

The stomach virus decided to pay me a visit on Friday.

There were cupcakes to be made and a million things to be done, but I was quarantined to the bedroom and John was on Daddy duty.

I pouted.

I told God I was mad at him.

Was it too much to ask for one sick-free birthday celebration?

I let Jackson’s friends know that the party could not go on.

We’d just have to celebrate at a family.Thankfully, by Saturday morning I felt a lot better.

Thankfully, there are bakeries that can do last minute cookies to replace the unmade cupcakes.

Thankfully, God forgives crummy attitudes and words spoken in anger.

And truthfully, the party was exactly what it needed to be for Jackson.

Did we miss his friends? Yes!

But birthday parties can be difficult for kids with Sensory Processing Disorder.

A house full of people, everyone talking at once, presents being ripped open, and a chorus of Happy Birthday’s equals major sensory overload.

Once I moved past my disappointment and let go of my expectations (for what the party should have been), I was able to see the blessings buried beneath the birthday paper.

The matching Christmas pajamas.

Letting him open his presents at his own pace.

Lighting the candles over and over again (He blew them out seven times!)

One very happy kid!