Shortly afterward, we had a quiet day for her first birthday. It's not b/c we don't think it's important, b/c it is the most important date in our hearts. We wanted to just enjoy her company without bells and whistles everywhere. Ashima loves being social, and we know she prefers doing her favorite activities. We took her to the Kew Forest Park, where she was all smiles playing, running, and interacting with other children. Even though she cries at adult strangers, she rarely shies away from kids. Tita Myra was coming home from a business trip, and she cut Ashima's cake with us. Let's not mention they spelt her name wrong...but Ashima had her first taste of birthday cake!
Later this month, we will have a small family gathering for a more formalized birthday "party". We made the executive decision against inviting 50 plus adults to a restaurant where we know Ashima will not be at her best, or even truly happy. She will be around those she loves the most in her life, which is what counts. As parents, we celebrate her birthday everyday, for we are grateful to have such a special girl in our lives.
