A Birthday Celebration for Our Sweet Markus

What's a birthday without a party? Probably not a whole lot if you ask a 3-year old boy. Therefore, we wanted to be sure to make Markus' third birthday a memorable experience to share with our great friends in Tokyo. I find myself overwhelmed with bittersweet happiness when I think of how quickly three years has passed.

On Saturday, February 2 (the day after his official birthday, February 1), I invited Markus' close circle of friends - most from Jidoukan to attend his special day. Since most three-year olds are notorious for having extra loads of energy, I reserved the recreation room in our apartment, which offered lots of space for fun play. We cranked up the music and the toddlers enjoyed crafts and crayons, balloons and games, which kept them busy and entertained for hours.

Markus' big boy pals, Junki & Naoki did a great job helping entertain the younger kids!

For lunch, we enjoyed tasty sashimi, sushi rolls, salads, dips and finger foods. Of course, many of the mothers contributed with wonderful Japanese cuisine, which is always so oishii!

Cake time!

I hope all your birtday wishes come true, my love!

Chihiro-kun anxious to dip into the icing

Funny Riko-chan swiping a piece of Moet-chan's cake, while she's turned away.

Rinna-chan, Ryota-kun and Taro-kun munching away on the cake.

Presents galore!

This is how Markus signs "3". How cute, eh!

So far, the transition from two-years-old to three hasn't been such a big difference. Though the tantrums have subsided, he seems to be more demanding. He still doesn't sleep the greatest, but that's been since birth, so I'm just so used to it. Some nights when he sleeps through to the morning, I find myself gettting up just to check on him. On a positive note, he is beginning to understand consequences to his actions. Reasoning with him has become easier. We've really enjoyed his creative side. Lately, he enjoys strumming his guitar trying to make music while singing. He continues to love jigsaw puzzles, books, anything related to animals, and music. He often asks us to play music from our computer, while colouring or playing with his trains and cars. Most of all, he's such a happy and loving child.

Happy 3rd Birthday Markus! Otanjoubi Omedetou!