1am

This is my 1am- the sketch for Che's giant birthday banner.

He's turning 5 and when told he can have anything he wants for his birthday party, he says a 'heroes' party - with Pizza and Donuts.

And carrots and dip.

Haha... ever the easy to please one.

I tell him it is his party he can choose everything. 

This takes all the pressure off me.

He chooses his Aunty Phuong and Uncle Mikes house, they- as always - offered it knowing that our apartment isn't the best place for parties.

It was there or a park- he weighed it up - and decided he wanted to play Wii too... he selects these things knowing that there is only one day where i will not intervene on excess junk food and questionable choices of entertainment.

He even gives me a guest list that consists of his cousins, Aunties and Uncles. No one else.

Fair enough.

Zane says he will make the number 5 cake - a tradition now i guess, for the age of 5.

We devise games. Call it the Tournament of Heroes.

I've been gathering things all month.

Five challenges, Five winners.

He chose the prizes himself. Awesome prizes.

i collect random pieces of junk and put the ideas slowly together. 

We order his presents, the things i know he's wanted for ages- the one time of the year when all wishes are granted. Everything arrives and starts falling into places.

I prod at the knot that always lodges itself in my stomach when i know i'm running out of time. 

The school holidays mean my days are spent elsewhere. I have a mental list that keeps changing. I tell myself to shhh, everything will be fine/

Then at 1am... i draw him a giant banner. 

Tomorrow we will paint it. 

When it's done we will start on the pinata.

He starts school the day after he officially turns 5.

Kindergarten. Two school aged children. 

A brand new year- a whole new learning curve.

Zane's invitation- pity we didn't do it earlier and get them printed. He did an awesome job. He's so proud and excited of/for you Che. He wants your birthday to be awesome.

It WILL be awesome, because you Che - you are my constant reminder - that as long as you have the things that you love, nothing else really matters. Life is really THAT simple.

:)