Make a Smilebox slideshow |
Asher is terrified of bugs. I don’t mean in the typical preschooler kind of way either. I mean in the clinically significant, panic attack, in-need-of-therapy kind of way. Through his parents grand efforts at systematic desensitization and behavior therapy, Asher has come a long way. We are able to go outside (most days) without a complete meltdown. He’s still fearful of bugs, but he’s able to coexist with them without running for the hills. So when I asked Asher what kind of cake he’d like for his 4th birthday party, I was a bit surprised and impressed when he replied, “A spider cake.” What could be more therapeutic than eating your fear?
Now in my last post, I claimed that this year’s birthday was going to be “low key”. We were going to just do a simple family party with a cute spider cake and that would be that. However, the day before his birthday Asher began to lay on the guilt. “Mommy, are we going to Grandma and Grandpa’s tomorrow for my birthday?” No honey. “Well, then how about Nana and Papa’s?” No honey. “Well are my cousins coming here for my birthday?” No honey. “But what about my party, and games, and who is going to come?” Oh boy…
So, like a crazy woman I made some frantic phone calls, ran to Target and threw a bunch of clearance stuff in my cart, and riffled through some of my guidance counselor left-overs to put together a fantastic party-in-a-day. Asher’s best bud, Charlie, and his family joined us for dinner and everyone had a creepy crawly good time!
The next day, we took Asher to Lake Tobias to enjoy some less scary creepers and crawlers. (Although, I must admit that he’s also pretty fearful of goats. Zeph on the other hand couldn’t get enough of them, as I’m sure you’ll be able to tell from the pictures!) We are so thankful for the last four years of our lives. Asher is an amazing little guy and I’m excited to experience the 4’s with him!
Melanie S says
I am going to make my family look at this as justification for the insanity I put myself through. I am currently looking for a good birthday party planning rehab center. Only I spend all my effort on the video and then the party is kind of half-baked. You are truly amazing. Seriously, that was adorable.
Morgan says
Happy Birthday, Asher! And I agree I don’t think you can do a “low key” party. 🙂 Everything looked fantastic!
michaela says
Beth – I don’t think that you do “low key”. Asher’s cake and his party looked amazing! Asher looked like he was having such a good time. Also – loved the expression on Zeph’s face when he was meeting the goat. Too cute!