Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Happy Birthday to Rainer

Saturday evening we had a little party for our recent two year old. It was a low key little party, just us and the grandparents. But how warm and festive it felt, having him home, seeing him happy and engaged, and being together as a family.
I absolutely love a small gathering. And what struck me is how much better it was for Rainer too. Short guest list, and just a few gifts--it was perfect. He could play with his toy and there was no urgency to open more and more packages, as so often is the case with big parties.


Happy Birthday, Rainer! We love you and are so proud of you!

25 comments:

Unknown said...

Happy Birthday brave little guy! I'll get you that guinea pig one of these days.

christina said...

I'm new to your blog but feel so inspired by it! Just wanted to say HI and send some birthday wishes to Rainer! We just this year decided on small birthdays and what a difference! So much more intimate for the birthday child, us and the the few guests who come.

Sarah said...

Aww, he looks so sweet and happy in that last picture! We prefer small birthday celebrations too.

ames said...

D'awwww, what a cutie! Happy Birthday Rainer!

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday, Rainer! What a sweet celebration!

Lisa said...

Happy Birthday, Rainer!

Di said...

Happy Birthday little man! I am glad you were feeling well enough to enjoy a little partying! It's always good for the soul!

loui said...

What a beautiful child, so glad you are all home! Happy Belated Birthday! I love your inspiring blog.

Julie said...

Looks like a wonderful and perfect family party! Love the number 2 cookies!

Yvonne said...

As a reader of your blog and especially little Rainer - Happy happy birthday - sounds like a perfect birthday!

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday Rainer! So glad he's feeling better. Looks like a lovely celebration

Cleo said...

"happy birthday to you ... happy birthday to you...happy birthday dearest Rainer, happy birthday to you!!! may you get all the blessings that you deserve ... love to you all!!

Rachael said...

The little prince - he looks great in his crown! Pleased he had a lovely time at his party. x

Mom said...

I loved it so much. Playing with the boy and his cars was one of those moments of sweet, pure joy!Love you all.

Its_Lily said...

Oh, the 2 cookies are just too cute. Love the table pic.

Anonymous said...

he just melts your heart
lisa x

Anonymous said...

As always you seem to know just the right thing to do for your little man and your family. The pictures tell of so much love, they're so powerful.

He looks so wonderfully happy. Happy Birthday Rainer from England XXXX

MaMa said...

Happy Birthday to your cutie pie...he's such a brave little guy & I wish him nothing but the best.

Lisa

Iris said...

Happy Birthday Rainer!! That looks like a very special celebration - you can just feel the love radiating from it!!

I fully agree with you about the small parties and we insist on this too. There can be so much pressure though to include various children and try not to make anyone feel excluded. We've also had to remind ourselves on occasion of how difficult this can be when one of our children wasn't invited to a party.

In Germany it's quite acceptable to limit the number of guests to the age of the birthday child - so e.g. three guests for a 3 year-old. We've found this to work well for us. Even though the numbers increased to six this year, they were all older and there was still a calmer atmosphere at the party.

Elfin Goddess said...

Happy Birthday Rainer! So glad you're home and happy! Pots of love!

Sarah said...

Happy Birthday to all of you. How special. At ages 9 and 12, my girls still prefer birthdays on the small side.

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday Baby Boy!

I LOVE the #2 cookies!

Kristy said...

A belated happy birthday beautiful boy. x

Mozi Esme said...

Happy birthday to the big boy!

hanna said...

oh happy birthday sweet little man.