Sprague Parade: Easter Birthday

When we brought Violet home from the hospital after she was born, I was terrified to take her outside. I couldn't believe that she had made it safely into this world, and that we somehow had survived the first car ride home; She was so tiny and I had no idea what to do with her, so I decided that the most sensible thing to do was to lock every door, swaddle her in a blanket, and just sit on my inflatable donut cushion for the rest of our lives together.

Well, after two days of that, Tyler and I, coaxed by our parents, decided to take her for one very short walk around the block.

We were petrified.

I remember looking down at her-- this itty bitty little squish faced person rumbling along the sidewalk in an oversized stroller-- and I thought this is it. She is not going to survive this. There is no way. Also, why is our block so big?

But, somehow, I also remember looking up at the sky for the first time in probably a week, and it was blue as all get out, and the cherry trees which had been sticks when we left for the hospital were now in full blushing bloom. Like the world was celebrating the arrival of my baby girl.

It was spring, and it was gentle. Thank goodness she wasn't born in winter. I really don't think I could have handled snow.

WELL, what I am trying to lead up to is that I always enjoy Violet's birthday partially because it usually falls in the middle of the rushing welcome into spring.

And this year, as luck would have it, her birthday was the day before Easter. Really, what could be more fun?

And, as an extra bonus, it was a gorgeous weekend, probably the warmest we've had in months.

So, without hesitation, we moved her entire party (all of my uncles, aunts, cousins, etc), outside onto our driveway/lawn strip.

And with Violet's flashy new turquoise bike perched against the house, I couldn't help but think how far we've come from that first terrifying walk with her.

Photos!