Throwback Thursday: Half Birthday

Today is one of my most favorite days of the year - my HALF Birthday.

I've celebrated half birthdays since I can remember and love keeping the tradition alive.

My brother claims to have started the tradition, but reality (read: how I remember it) is that a sunny spring day I learned it was my half birthday and had the scheme of a lifetime. I stood on a step-stool, reached for the wired wall-phone and dialed the phone numbers of my grandparents that were listed in my mother's handwriting on the inside of a cupboard door. Each time I dialed a number, I would speak in my sweetest most innocent voice and invite my relatives over for a Half Birthday celebration. Yes, presents would be accepted and yes - there will be cake (mom just didn't know it yet!)

One by one, the family started pulling up to the house via the back alley, hands full of gifts, balloons and surprises! The only ones who didn't know about the party? Mom and Dad!

Being the loving parents that they are, and being the sweet little innocent child I liked to pretend that I was - they went to the store, bought the cake that I'd promised all of my guests, and we had a party that would last for years and years.

Nowadays my half birthday is celebrated a little differently - but I almost like it more than my actual birthday!

Normally the weather is decent in the spring, my parents take me out to dinner, I get half-ish gifts and I have zero guilt in sharing that it's my half-special day with others. What's even better? Mom's half birthday is just two days later and we know we like to do each of our days justice - this half birthday thing isn't just for me!

This year Dan and I are doing a pamper day with pedicures and evening plans he hasn't shared with me yet, but there's a rumor that I have a gift from mom and dad waiting for me at home. Hopefully I can also expect something special at work since I shamelessly marked the date on our calendar. Sorry I'm not sorry.

Today's Throwback Thursday is brought to you by a little girl who knew that even the littlest milestones are important to celebrate - especially one's centered around her beautiful cake-loving existence!