Just like it has happened since 2004, Imani’s birthday came the day after Esteban’s. At the time, I’d asked her if it was ok if she had to share her birthday with the baby. He was due on the 31st of May, but it didn’t look like he was going to make it. Mani was very sweet about it. “Yes, Mommy, the baby can have my birthday.”

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Esteban was actually born closer to the 2nd than the 3rd, in the 1 o’clock hour of the morning, but we looked around, and it was Mani’s birthday the next day. I thought I’d have to pass on it just that one year. But Ma sprung into action and made a full dinner for us, and Yanni made the cake. Christie, who had kept Mani during a stalled labor day, had done Mani’s hair in the cutest style. All I had to do was go downstairs. And take pictures.

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This year, the birthday came upon me before I was ready for it. I was still very hung up on May when I realized that June would be the next week–and Mani’s birthday with it!

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Thankfully, things came together for Mani to have that water themed party that she’d wanted. First, Xay and Yanni bought a slip ‘n’ slide and some water balloons. I bought a small wading pool when we went grocery shopping. God blessed us with a beautiful day. We even had enough swim suits for some of our guests, which included Katie and Jessie.

It was a fun time.