I guess it was inevitable. That I would write about you two on the same day. I mean, when you have birthdays a day apart, what can you expect?

I’ll start with Esteban. It is so hard to believe that you are 5! And yesterday you wanted to celebrate with your very own party. Even though the weather didn’t cooperate, your guests were great. 7 people came to help you ring in 5 in style. There are still water balloon shards everywhere. And today it had the nerve to get warm enough to play with your new sprinkler!

Just in time for Imani’s birthday. Nine years ago you came into our lives, forever changing them. You’re such a presence. Big voice, big emotions, big drive for perfection. I don’t think anything is impossible to you, once you set your mind to it. So today when you wanted a fabulous leotard for your upcoming gymnastics recital, you threw yourself on the floor at the idea of a plain biketard. Then I looked at it. The fabric across the back was stretched, and what was that white stuff on the shoulder? Well, at least it was on sale. . . $18? I thought I’d seen something cheaper than that at gymnastics. So we made a deal to return for the plain suit if we couldn’t find a better price at gymnastics.

We didn’t find a better price. And I watched the tears stream down your face and decided to get on the highway and drive across town to the other gymnastics place. Which looked closed and even abandoned when we got there. But the door was open, and the man there turned on the light in the clothes shop, and I noticed that some leotards were on sale for $22. That was $10 cheaper than most suits at our gym. We found two glittery suits on sale. (one for you and one for your sister) They fit perfectly! Score!

And that storm cloud cleared up for good. You get your huge party on Saturday, just like you wanted.

Happy birthday, babies! Maybe next year you’ll want to celebrate together? Huh? Or maybe this is the start of the rest of your lives. . .