Keegan Turns 4

Yesterday was Keegans 4th birthday. He is at the age when it seems every commercial that comes on TV he says "I want that". And every time we go to the store. "I want THAT." For weeks instead of just "No" I would say, "Maybe for your Birthday." On Sunday our church kids group sang Happy Birthday to him. Since then he wakes up everyday and has asked if it was his birthday yet. Yesterday I had to lie to him, because for weeks he has retold his idea of what should happen at his birthday. From the cake and balloons and he wanted a surprise party. Now of course I ignored the first time he told me this. Keegan usually hates to be the center of attention. But he continued to tell me that's what he wanted. I decided to ask more questions about it and to make sure that he knew exactly what he was thinking a surprise party meant. Well, he knew what a surprise party entails. Right up to the part when he will will say "WHOA!" in surprise right after everyone shouts, SURPRISE!

I for warned all of our birthday guests that it was s surprise party. And because all our guests know Keegan well they all wondered what would possess his mother to torture him on his special day. I agreed with every concern that they brought to my attention. That he may run off and hate his birthday forever or he might surprise all of us and be excited.

The entire day went well. I had to make a few diversions. My brother in California called to wish Keegan a happy birthday. I had to turn his request down (at least until tomorrow) And then his church teacher came to give him a gift and a balloon. You should have seen his look of total confusion. After his teacher left I said to Keegan, "Your teacher thought today was your birthday, but it's not till tomorrow." He was still very confused and then he was disappointed. But that quickly changed to excitement when he realized his birthday was soon! Finally, the day was coming to an end. Our friends and family were coming at 7:30. Ted took both kids to McDonalds while my nephew Josh and I went and got the balloons and got all the decorations up. We put a few streamer hanging from the door in the laundry room (that's were they will come in) to give him a clue and maybe the impact of the surprise won't be so bad. At 10 minutes to 8 Daesha came running in the house giggling and jumped behind the couch. This was a cue to get ready! I turned off the lights and turned on the video camera. Keegan didn't notice the streamers as he removed his shoes like a good boy and started walking in the house. He saw the streamers and started to run while shouting, "IS IT MY BIRTHDAY???" Just as he rounded the corner to the room we always gather for birthdays I flipped on the lights and everyone shouted, "SSSSSUUUU...." and somehow that's when I pushed the record button OFF on the video camera!!!!! I didn't get anymore on film!!!!! I didn't get the fact that he jumped 10 feet high then kept walking past the room we were in. I didn't get that I went to get him as he reached the stairs. By then he had a big grin and walked back to his party! I didn't get the high five he gave me and him opening each and every gift with big smiles and said Thank You to each person. I have no proof that he loved his party and actually loved the surprise!!!! Luckily Ted had the other CRAPPY camera and snapped a few pictures of him opening his gifts. Keegan was not his normal self that night. He was giving hugs and saying goodbye and I just couldn't believe how much he was enjoying the attention. It was so much fun to watch that I forgot the picture I always take after everyone leaves of him and all his gifts. Oh well, there will be more birthdays to come and I am happy to see that Keegan really did enjoy this one :)

Water guns, shorts and shirt from the Adams.

Marvel comics magnetic book and Legos from Daesha.

Light Saber from Mom and Dad.

Marvel comic figures and comic book. Which Valerie had to bring to a G rating by coloring in inappropriate cleavage and butt cheeks with a black sharpie.

Transformer Bumblebee car from Mom and Dad.

And more Legos.. he also got some gardening tools from his Grandparents. It was what he told his Grandma he wanted but wouldn't pick them up so we could take a picture.

Keegans Star Wars cake.

Darth Vador and Skywalkers light sabers light up.

Keegans' cousin Brittney calls him "Kee". He calls her "B." When Ted cut the cake a piece said Kee. So we knew it had to be Brittney's piece. Ted likes to point out that Keegans head is bigger than his 12 year old cousins. This is no trick of the camera angle either.

Keegan posing with his light saber.

Once I took one he asked me to take more...

We all stayed up way past our bedtime taking pictures in the dark of the lightsaber.

Things we love and know about Keegan:

- He makes us laugh everyday with his funny faces and silly dance moves.

- His hugs and kisses are not shared regularly. But when they are shared they are truly genuine.

- He talks nonstop when we are in the car. (Sometimes it's not something I love about him.)

- He is always nice to his sister. They never fight. But he always teases her.

- He is super smart. And has an amazing memory. When I need something found I don't ask Daesha to help (she forgets what we are doing after 2 minutes). Keegan will search until whatever it is we are looking for is found.

- He loves Marvel super heroes, Star Wars, and recently Legos.

- His favorite food is waffles. He would eat them for breakfast, lunch, and dinner if I let him.

- He always wakes up at 7:30 every morning. He comes in my room and softly taps my pillow until I open my eyes. Once I do he says, "Will you make me some waffles?"

- He prefers taking showers instead of a bath.

- He calls his friends that are boys "His Boys".

- His favorite TV shows are Team Umizoomi and Bubble Guppies.

- He loves playing the XBOX.