Happy 4th birthday, Gerritt!

Four years ago our lives were changed forever when we became parents for the first time. After a difficult labor (natural birth turned into an unexpected C-section) Gerritt was born. My husband & I were both only children & were not exposed to a lot of children as adults. I only remember rolling my eyes while observing a toddler temper tantrum at the grocery store, "I will have better control of my kids!" Gerritt didn't come with a set of instructions & had a challenging task of teaching us how to take care of him. There were many sleepless nights & difficulties along the way, but Gerritt helped us to become a true family. He also paved the way for Sophia & his little brother. Becoming his parents brought us so much joy, we simply couldn't stop at having one child! :-)


Pancake & sausage breakfast with uncle Ananth & family

Gerritt's 4th birthday morning began with a surprise visit from uncle Ananth (our dear friend & Gerritt's godfather).


1st present (Cars-2 movie play set) was opened right after

My husband, Ananth & I shared in the cost of one of Gerritt's birthday presents - the Cars-2 movie play set (a racing track & 4 various cars).


Time to blow out the birthday candles!

Gerritt & I made his favorite chocolate cake the night before. I also bought the sunflowers & the balloons the day prior to make Gerritt's birthday morning more special.


Opening presents from grandma Chris & grandpa Gerry

Gerritt's American grandparents joined us later in the afternoon & more present opening followed. Since Gerritt is in love with all kinds of super heroes, the remote-controlled Captain America on a motorcycle turned out to be a big hit. He also got the Captain America shield from Daddy & Dr. Seuss's Twister game from Chris & Gerry.


Playing the Twister game later in the evening


Running with the balloons is so much fun!


Sophia's turn!

Our neighbor Rinku & her son Yash surprised Gerritt by stopping by in the evening with several more presents including a miniature leggo set & the Cars movie pajamas.


Birthday photo with Mom & Dad (Sophia was taking a nap)

Happy birthday, Gerritt! You are truly a special boy!