Zeke turned 4!

I can hardly believe it, and that it's been over a week. My oldest boy is now not a toddler, but a full blown pre-schooler or kid. 4 isn't little anymore!

For the first time since he was born, we were able to have his big party on his birthday (sickness, conflicting plans or just being broke meant his party has happened on a different day every year thus far) and we went with a Super Hero theme. Red and blue invitations were sent out, calling all super heroes to action, and Zeke carefully wrote each person's name (well copied after I wrote it first) on each one, and signed his name!

Meanwhile I got busy cutting (as it turns out way too much!) white fleece capes and hot gluing ribbons to tie the neck. I chose fleece because it's no-sew lol, but also warm given the winter weather we've had lately. Had a bit of a mad scramble to borrow an iron as well, when I realised once I'd washed them they came out wrinkled! The kids were able to paint/draw on them with fabric paints and take them home instead of lolly bags. I made way too many, even though they were a big hit, but if anyone wants some white fleece, let me know!

We hired the same community room we hired for Liam's, which is a great place, playground, toys already provided and small tables and chairs for the kids :) The only downside is a pretty tiny kitchen, which gets cramped once all the party food was in there!

Overall, the day went great (other than losing the combination for the key safe and having to ring the coordinator on her day off to find it again) Zeke had a ball, and everyone was dressed in their super hero best! He was spoiled totally rotten with all his lovely gifts as well.

After much discussion about cakes (and repeatedly changing his mind) he decided on quite a simple request "A chocolate rectangle cake with Smarties" again the one-egg chocolate cake recipe came to good use, although in triplicate for the size of my big cake pan. With so many people coming who had varied diet exclusions I picked up a packet mix for a smaller dairy, egg and wheat free cake as well. (I must learn how to bake those better, it resembled a brick by the time I was done!)

I guess the part everyone is really waiting for are some pictures. Stupidly enough I managed not to get anything of the finished capes the kiddos were wearing though.... mum brain! I've only added a few here, for the full selection you need to know me on Facebook or G+.

Batman! (Daddy)

Baby Zorro - my nephew Elijah

Alan painting his cape

I was Super Mum, I also wore ugg boots and breast feeding friendly clothing

Batman and Super Granny

Waiting for cake!

Blowing out the candles

Close up of my artwork because I'm proud like that lol!

Spiderman dressed up and ready to go!

Opening birthday presents in the morning :) 

4 my goodness, slowly he's becoming more rational about some things and occasionally listening to reason, he's becoming independent in his behaviour, getting dressed on his own (or with the odd "Hurry up!" lol) he can make himself his own breakfast (just cereal and milk) and can communicate with everyone a lot more clearly. He also considers everyone his friend, which is just adorable! Of course with the new found independence and communication skills comes a desire to test those boundaries and when he does watch out! He loves music and singing, especially with Liam, although he can get a little over enthusiastic, and he's crazy imaginative these days, everything we do has an element of pretend in it, I never know what he'll come up with next.

Happy (belated) birthday Zeke, my funny, feisty, determined little dude. The boy who made me a mama, and sent me down the path of becoming a birth geek. 4 years... I couldn't imagine life without you.