Whilst the 5 year old and I were out on our secret birthday present shopping mission after school last night it appears the now 4, then 3, year old decided to open his present from Gramps and my Stepmum. Granted it was sat in the dining room waving at him, but he had been told that it was for his birthday and not to open it till then.

He went to an awful lot of trouble, even getting a butter knife from the drawer to get to the goods quicker. He proudly went upstairs to show The Husband his new toy saxaphone and got a telling off.

When I returned home, after our secret birthday present shopping mission, it dawned on him that I was also displeased and that he would have one less present to open this morning. He sobbed for a while.

Later when he was getting ready for bed he may have unexpectedly ventured into my bedroom where he may have seen another present, this time unwrapped.  A Toy Story lunch bag, to replace the torn and battered Ben 10 one. A practical addition for his birthday.

As I was saying goodnight to him last night he said “Why did you buy me a Toy Story lunchbag?” in a disappointed tone. I said in an upbeat tra la la voice with a beaming smile that he would have to wait and see what his birthday would bring, whilst thinking “Oh shit”.  Poor disappointed 3 year old.

Anyway, that’s behind him now because today is his birthday and he’s 4.  Who cares that he knows he has a toy saxophone which will be utilised as a gun or a method of torturing his parents and sister with?  Who cares his mother bought him a boring old Toy Story lunch bag? I for one love Buzz and Woody and in the cold light of day he was actually quite pleased with it. Now, he also has a new scooter, to replace the rusty old one … and this one has lights that flash along the footplate a bit like the ones that some chavs attach to the underside of their car.

I sit here shell shocked wondering where the last four years have gone.  I’m sure The Husband is equally confused, for it is his birthday too. 41 today. I’m sure he is wondering where the last 40 years have gone. Ahem.

This weekend we have a birthday party for the 4 year old with some of his friends from nursery.  Later the husband and I will go out  and meet our friends in the village. We may even drink a beverage or twenty two.  I’m sure there will be lots of laughter … and cake.

To infinity and beyond ….

See you on the other side.