Happy Birthday, Aidan!

It’s hard to believe, but Aidan was one year old today.

On one hand, the last twelve months seem to have flown by. On the other, I can’t remember what life was like before him. What did we do with all that time at the weekend?

I took today off work so Mandy, Aidan and I could spend the day together as a family. This morning we went to Baby Gymnastics in St. David’s for the first time, which was a huge amount of fun. I may even have enjoyed myself more than Aidan, rolling around on the mats and playing with him on the equipment. Lunch was at Mulligans, gazing out over the ocean and St. George’s golf course while Aidan happily wandered around and played with Mandy’s keys (much more interesting than any birthday present). Then this afternoon we had a mini birthday celebration for him with some of the kids from Mandy’s swimming classes (with cake, natch), followed by a barbeque with Granny and Poppa.

Aidan didn’t get a huge pile of presents, and I’m glad. I hate to see kids getting showered with gifts at birthdays and Christmas, barely glancing at each before rushing on to the next. That said, both Mandy and I are feeling guilty that the one toy and four books that we got Aidan really wasn’t enough. I think we’ll probably pick something else up for him on our next trip to town.

We didn’t get him a birthday card either. The Oatleys aren’t big on sending cards on special occasions anyway, and since moving to Bermuda, I’ve all but given up the tradition too. Most of the cards sold here are American, and thus unimaginative, unfunny or sickly sentimental. I really wanted to send Aidan a “Happy birthday son” card, but couldn’t find anything remotely suitable. Next time I go to the UK I’m going to have to stock up, I think.

Nevertheless, Aidan seemed to really enjoy his day, and wasn’t at all grumpy or fussy. And with another pool party with some of our friends planned for Saturday afternoon, the celebrations aren’t over yet!