But, I Don't Like Cake

In case it had slipped anyone's mind, Preston turns the big "1" on January 23rd. And while in Ohio visiting, we celebrated this fantastic event (just a tad early) with family and friends.

Everything was going smoothly. The cakes were perfect. The food prepared and delicious. Elmo's were taking over the house. And the guests were arriving. This was Preston's big day and I was frantic. (Of course, as that's my nature.)

After a bit of mingling, introducing Preston to relatives he'd not yet met, everyone munched. It was casual and laid back...and I, still a bit frantic.

FINALLY it was cake time! Preston was perfectly positioned in his high chair – eyes wide, wondering why everyone had gathered around so. Uncle James had the video rolling. Aunt Tara had our camera in the 'ready' position. And all guests had their eyes on little baby Preston. Ahhh, this was going to be fantastic!

Jeremy lit the cake and the room filled with song. It wasn't choir-worthy by any means, but we all did our best. Simultaneously Jeremy and I blew out the candle on Preston's smash cake. His eyes were beaming from the lit wick (we may have a pyro on our hands).

I gently set the cake on Preston's tray. For a moment my mind wandered...I can hardly believe he's one? I quickly refocused. It wandered again...what if he gets a belly ache from all the sugar he's about to ingest? I quickly refocused, again.

Preston was smiling. He studied the cake. Slowly yet deliberately he poked his right index finger and thumb into the icing. Pulling it back he noticed his thumb was covered in orange goo. A little perplexed. Another grin. Then he puts the icing in his mouth.

He froze. Eyes shut tight. The mouth puckered. Eyebrows furrowed. Nose scrunched. His entire body shuttered. Yep, he hated it.

And I thought..."Are you freakin' kidding me boy? You are a baby. Babies are supposed to love all things sweet. You are supposed to dive into your cake relentlessly. You are supposed to smear it in your hair, your ears and neck crease. I'm supposed to find icing up your nose a week later."

Luckily, the first taste was not enough to scare off the weary diner. He went in again – this time a little more cautious, yet determined. After all, he's an eater. And he's never turned down food a day in his life.

And....same reaction. It's as if he bit into a lemon.

Uggh. For real kid?

I pulled back the fondant and revealed the deliciously moist (my least favorite word in the entire world. Although for cake, there really isn't any other way to describe it.) yellow cake with butter cream frosting. Now this may be the ticket!

Preston noticed the cake had taken on a new appearance and willfully dug his finger in again. This time however, he shuttered BEFORE the cake hit his lips. His mind had already psyched him out. It was too late.

After a couple more attempts, with nearly the same reactions, Jeremy and I quit torturing the poor kid and took the cake away. He did wind up with cake in his hair and on his face, but this was only due to the usual eye-rubbing and hair-pulling; signaling it was nap time.

Of course my kid is doesn't like cake. He wouldn't be my kid if he wasn't a little 'different'.

Although Preston didn't tear into the cake, his performance was priceless. Everyone had a great laugh and took amusing photos.

After his nap, Preston opened gifts and everyone took a field trip to see "Icky", the family's miniature donkey. It was the perfect ending to the perfect birthday party.



Thanks to Grammy, Pappy and Mimi for making the party possible, and thanks to everyone else who attended. Oh, and a special thanks to The Cake Chick...fantastic job!

Note: More party pics will soon be uploaded to the pic' show (on left).