It's not a special occasion unless the entry gets eaten

Today was Ben's birthday.

I had a great heartwarming entry all fired up and ready to go, but AOL ate it.  Oh, yes.

That's what I get for trying to add a photo of the boy.

Here is the short version:

*He reminded me to tell him "Happy Birthday" when I hugged him awake this morning.  As if I could possibly forget a strapping 9 lb 7oz-22 inch anything being removed from my body, not to mention the ensuant two weeks of after-we're-home hell endured while trying to get him to nurse.  And the round the clock feeding frenzy that followed (for both of us) which was required to keep him full. 

*He was the happiest, most adorable, chubbiest-thighed baby you ever saw.  (Which made all of the above agony worth it.)

*He is still the happiest, sweetest kid you'd ever like to meet.  He will look you in the eye as he shakes hands and says "Pleased to meet you" without my throwing him a look or prompting him.  I melt every single time he does it. 

*He is a social butterfly.  A rock star sometimes.  He got hurt recently at school, and while Mr W sat with him at Urgent Care, I went to the school to collect Ryan...and was stopped about four times on my way to the office by classmates asking about him.  After the ladies in the office asked too, I started looking for signs that said "Save Ben."

*He was spoiled by the lovely Jane today at her house.  Swimming, pizza, cupcakes (with candles)--she made his day.  :)

*Tomorrow, he will have more celebrating to do at Nana's house, where he will not be spoiled at all.  Not one bit.

He is a happy-go-lucky kid who manages to make everyone feel special. 

Even me, and I'm the Mommy; isn't that my job?

Happy Birthday, my Ben-ben.  Your inside is as beautiful as your outside.  :)