A Day for Celine

May 24, 2011

Two days after our move Celine turned twelve. We celebrated her special day together with my parents, something that hasn't happened since her first birthday. We left Canada to move to New Jersey shortly after Celine turned one so most birthdays and holidays (except Christmas) we have been spent with just our family of five.

I was so, so thankful that during this time of intense transition and upheaval we could be at my parents, because with the help of my mom we were able to make the day special for Celine. Even though we arrived only 40 hours earlier.

Before coming to help us clean and move my mom baked a cake (orange chiffon at Celine's request) and stuck it in the freezer. She also got everything ready for homemade coffee ice cream.

The day before the birthday the three of us - mom, daughter and granddaughter - sat down to make a menu. Mom ran into town to get groceries and we were all set.

The day started with crepes, whipped cream and berries served on Nana's best china.

Then presents. We took great pains to carefully pack Celine's presents last in the moving truck. Celine's preference for gifts is evolving with her age. Gone are the days of dolls. Welcome to the age of persian rugs and a new blanket for her bed. Her siblings are making sure she is staying young with a rubix cube and deer figurine to go with her medieval castle, which of course we packed.

Some outdoor play and help Papa (my dad) time. In your bathrobe because it is a birthday after all.

A lunch of sweet potato fries and a trip to the nursery to buy plants for my garden loving daughter - who inherits this from her mom who inherited it from her mom who inherited it from her mom. Four generations of women, one now passed, who love to garden - and make annual May pilgrimages to garden centers.

Back home again to chill (quite literally, Nova Scotia is wicked cool and wet right now) and then make the birthday supper. Barbequed fish, roasted potatoes, salad, sliced tomatoes and fresh baguette, Celine's request. All finished off with Nana's cake and homemade ice cream.