Feliz Cumpleanos

Today Reuben turned 11. I can't believe that it was 11 years ago we welcomed him into our family. Reubs was born on his due date at 12.26am after a very fast labour. I remember so vividly the 'quiet' after he was born. I panicked for a moment wondering whether everything was ok. The umbilical cord was around his neck and he needed to be stimulated to breath. I really can't describe the relief that filled me when he let out a tiny, gentle cry. I promptly gave him the 'once over' and realised that once again we had been blessed with another perfect little

baby. And he was such a gorgeous baby with smooth olive skin, big luscious lips and chocolate brown eyes. He pretty much went straight to sleep and woke up about two years later!! No really, he slept a lot, he was one of those babies who would sleep anywhere - even in a tepid bath designed to wake him! He was so easy to transport around because he LOVED his sleep and I could take him anywhere.

I distinctly remember taking Isaac to Bananas Pyjamas concert when Reuben was about 3 months old. We were seated right by one of the huge speakers but good ol' Reubs slept the entire time, not even stirring. This is something that remains with him still...once he's tired, he goes to sleep and stays asleep, that's it...It's GREAT! He hardly ever cried, not even when he was hungry or hurt. It didn't take me long to realise he expresses himself very differently from his 'vocal' brother. Reuben is much more subtle. His tantrums consisted of laying on the floor, face down, totally silent!!!

A trait I love about Reuben is that he is really selfless. He never asks for anything but appreciates everything. He is thoughtful and caring. He is creative and very capable but unassuming. He's a bit of a loner at times (he enjoys his own company) but his friend are really important to him. Most of all though, I love that he has the BEST kissable lips and never lets me leave the school in the mornings without planting one on me and topping it off with a squeezy cuddle.

This morning after Reuben opened his gifts, I surprised him with a day off. Instead of going to school he put on his new birthday clothes and we spent the day with Justine and the kids at mum and dad's in the Huon. Gus and Tilly are now having a sleepover at our home and are going to spend the day at school with Bella and Reubs.

I think he had a wonderful day.

Reuben scored in the $$$ department today

He is now well on the way to reaching his savings goal for our summer holiday.

I'm not sure which was his favourite pressie, the personally signed copy of 'Just Macbeth'

Or the IRiver mp3 player.

Now he doesn't have to bug Isaac to borrow his.

Happy Birthday Gorgeous Boy.

You are such a great kid and we love you more than you know.