Happy Birthday, Baby!

My baby's 2 today. Not really a baby anymore, but don't tell him that.

So it's been really cute this week, because he never even realized that a birthday means presents. (He can't remember his last one...) For Ben, the countdown for the week has been all about the candle. His first waking thought each morning this week has been about it.
"Candle today?" stretching, with sleepy eyes still closed.
"No, Darlin', not today. Two more days."
"Candle today?"
"Nope, not til tomorrow."

This morning, he woke up and asked, "Candle today?" and finally, the proclamation we've all been waiting for..."Yes! It's your birthday!"

He grinned, still sleepy, and repeated, "Ben brfday today."

By the time I picked him up from preschool today, he had caught on. He wore a crown with Birthday Boy written on it, had chocolate all over his mouth and hands from his cupcake, and had a book made by his friends with birthday messages (scribbles) to put in his baby book. He was strutting, too--Yeah, Buddy, this day has been all about him.

When he finds out he gets presents later, he may just go over the edge. What a priceless thing, spending a whole day celebrating such a priceless little guy.