A “dream” day

Do you ever think about what a particular event or day will be like, only to realize that sometimes what you think will happen and what actually happens are two very different things? Let me explain.

Zac’s birthday was yesterday. Yes, we had a party on Sunday (which was a smashing success, thankyouverymuch), but I wanted to spend the day with him on his real birthday. I plan to do the same thing on Lilly’s birthday, of course.

Zac’s special day (the “in my head” version)

We take Lilly to school, and head out for the day. Zac feels special, walking out of school holding my hand, getting ready for a great day! We go to the park, weather permitting, before heading to the mall.

Zac does not enjoy shopping, but he LOVES the mall playground. Last time we were there, to see Santa, he did not get a place to play.

I can hear his squeals of delight while running to the playground. I let him play for as long as he wants, then we head to lunch. We probably head to either Jason’s Deli or Monkey Burger, and talk about fun things while enjoying lunch.

We head home, and Zac probably falls asleep. I let him snooze for a while, then we cuddle and read some books under a blanket. For the remainder of the afternoon, I ask Zac what he wants to do, and we do it.

We pick Lilly up early, and the three of us go to dinner. We sing Happy Birthday to our boy, and head home for a peaceful bedtime.

Is that too much to ask???

Zac’s special day (the “reality sucks” version)

The night before Zac’s special day, I tell him and Lilly the plan. Lilly throws the worlds biggest hissy fit about wanting to stay with Zac. I talk her down, eventually, reminding her about the special days she has and how this is important.

At bedtime, Zac sniffles and wimpers that he’s going to miss Lilly the next day.

Off to a great start, people.

Special Day morning, we get up and head to Dunkin’ Donuts for a special breakfast before dropping Lilly off at school.
This is the best picture I could get. And yes, my son looks like a vampire.

We drop Lilly off, and decide it’s too cold to play outside so Zac and I head home for about 30 minutes. I hear “I miss Lilly” about 17 times during those 30 minutes.

For. Pete’s. Sake.

We head to the mall, chatting excitedly the whole way. We get there, and turn the corner to the play area. I’m excited. Zac has to go potty.
So we do.
Back to the play area. I’m still excited.
Zac… sits with me. Climbs on my lap, in fact, and says that he wants to go home.

Whaaa???

I feel his head.

OH. CRAP.

Yep, he’s sick. We sit and talk and I hold him as he buries his head into my shirt. How did this come on so quickly? We meet up with a few friends who were dropping really cool things off for us, and head home.

At home, Zac naps for a bit, and then we do get our snuggle time in on the couch.

Eventually, I decide to take him to Urgent Care. Yep, he has Strep. Again.

My mom picks Lilly up and buys the kids treats while I get the prescription.

Happy Birthday Son.

~   ~   ~

In all seriousness, I am glad he was home with me when he got sick. I just feel SO badly that he spent his birthday sick. Still, we did get to enjoy cuddle time, and the medication makes him feel so much better and very quickly.