Happy Birthday Mike

The little boy appearing in his high chair, eating choke-inducing hot dogs while making a "pig face" is now 25 years old. It's a wonder he made it- look at the safety violations in one picture: peeling varnish, encased meats, play pen mobile ready to crash down, large plastic suffocation threatening bib, a large dog ready to deprive him of nutrition. And the wardrobe! No Mother of the Year for me!

Anyway, Happy Birthday, Michael! Mike will be sharing the evening with the White Sox and his Dad, but I would be remiss if I did not use this new locale to acknowledge the day. Mike has kept me on my toes for all of these 25 years, and has taught me both patience and persistence. Mike works harder at his job and his social life than most human beings. Every one who deals with Mike knows he is an unstoppable force once he sets his compass. Relax, Mike- enjoy yourself, and many happy and healthy days in the year to come.

Now my boys' birthday circuit is complete. Pat is 27, Mike 25, and Matt 23. All of my men were born in the spring; I guess I am more romantic in the summer. We are trying to shift into "adult" celebrations- with fewer gifts and less fanfare. The boys fight us on this, of course, but we will continue to ratchet down. I can no longer select clothing with confidence that they will ever take the tags off. Electronics are hit and miss. Matt is tolerant of my silly t shirts and theme gifts, but I think he is indulging me. Mike is practical: he will assemble an Amazon list and forward it to me. Few surprises will happen on the big day, but there will be few awkward requests for sales receipts, either. Matt HAS trained me to stop with the Simpsons boxers and pajama pants- I understand now that he may feel shy about such apparel in his bachelor life. I still fondly recall my boys in Underoos... and Batman pajamas, complete with capes. Patrick is now the easiest going about birthday fanfare, perhaps because the wedding celebration was such a production that birthdays pale. He has been working from home for 6 months, and I figure Simpsons boxers and a Hanes Tagless T shirt are business casual for him. He is glad of a cash infusion at Birthday Time. He was wary of large scale parties when he was growing up. We booked a Care Bear visit for his second birthday, and that Bear was way too big and pink for Pat. Birthday Bear was banished, Pat was calmed and cake was delicious.

What every birthday celebrant wants is to have a day that is only his. Christmas is fun, but you have to share. Birthdays are only about YOU! Well, sorry, Mike- I neglected to write about Matt and Pat on their days- so again, you have to share with your brothers. You guys are all special. I remember when Mr. Rogers had the job of telling you that, and I am glad to take over for him.

Have a great night with Dad and the Sox; I hope they give you a Win. Tomorrow we will have Round 2 of the celebration with a family dinner. Your Mikefest will wrap up this weekend at your birthday beer fest. Enjoy every minute. Be moderate. Like your gifts.