Happy birthday, G!

Six years ago today, on a nippy afternoon in Cooperstown, New York, Garrett made his way into our arms and hearts. Not one to hide his light under a bushel, he immediately demonstrated his powers of amplification by entering screaming.


I don't put too much weight on astrological signs, but I learned recently that Sagittarius, Garrett's sign, is considered a "masculine," "positive (extrovert)" sign. It's also a fire sign and a mutable sign (which one source defined as inherently unstable, wavering, inconstant).

To all that I say: boy howdy ... don't get me started.

Since that first night Garrett looked us in the eye and screamed his head off, we have discovered some of his other qualities and talents. He's whip-smart, often cheerful, sometimes belligerent, generous, hilarious, and snuggly. He's mischievous. Mercurial, too -- perhaps I should just say mutable. He loves and enjoys life ... when he's not trying to make himself and everyone within earshot miserable. And the boy cannot resist the opportunity to dance. (If you have the time, download that video and check out his moves. It gets really fun at 47 seconds.)




Karl has to teach this afternoon and evening, so we started celebrating this occasion yesterday afternoon with a trip to Cirkus Andres. We had our cake after the circus. And this morning Garrett gets to open his presents and play, play, play.

Ben and Garrett enjoy their cotton candy as they wait with Dad for the circus to begin. Some of the acts we saw featured flame jugglers,


tigers leaping and rolling,


and a trapeze performer.


"The bad thing about being a lady trapeze artist is that you have to show your butt cheeks to everyone," Garrett noted. "I bet the trapeze guys don't have to wear that outfit."

I imagine you're right, Garrett.

Happy birthday, sweet, funny boy!


If you leave a comment with birthday wishes for our Sagittarian, we'll make sure he gets them!