Aubrey turned five – 5! Where has the time gone? Much like her entrance into the world, this birthday in quarantine is one we’re sure to remember. The majority of my pregnancy we were building our house and living with my parents. Construction was supposed to be wrapped up mid-April and she was due May 3rd. She came 3 ½ weeks early (April 9) and spent a week in the special care unit, which meant her brothers weren’t able to meet her right away. Going through pictures this week, I found one where they visited the hospital and peeked at her through the glass. Who knew a short 5 years later we’d be experiencing a whole different kind of quarantine. Her surprise arrival meant we actually took her “home” to grandma and grandpa’s – and there are times these past few weeks we’ve wished we were back to that time – simply so we could still see them each day.
First peeks at sissy through the special care unit door
Although we didn’t have a party planned, or any set activities to celebrate before this hit, Aubrey seemed to think we had lots of things planned and her birthday was ruined. The day before, the weather was beautiful so we tie-dyed t-shirts. Everyone except Dad got one (and he was a little sour about it). They turned out really cute so we decided to have a tie-dye themed quarantine birthday. She declared a day of no homeschool and her brothers were thrilled! And she thought since she’s 5 now, she should get coffee - it was 90% half and half, but she was happy!
For a little bit of special “me” time on her day, I decided to try painting her nails tie-dye. Fortunately for us, tie-dye seems to be a fashion trend as of late, so I found plenty of inspiration online. I used a very simple procedure I found here. In short:
1. Start with a base of white polish. Let fully dry.
2. Generously dot nail with your choice of colors. You want enough that it slightly pools on the surface.
3. Take a piece of plastic wrap and lay it on top of the wet colored polish. You can press in, but I found it easier to slide the wrap a little to smudge the color.
4. Top coat.
It’s best to do steps 2 & 3 one nail at a time.
Aubrey’s turned out much cuter than mine!
Along with Aubrey’s favorite - Rice Krispy Treats, we made my grandma’s Wacky Cake – totally appropriate for the occasion! It’s called Wacky Cake because it is a very non-traditional recipe – it requires no eggs or butter! So if you’re looking for a sweet treat but you’re out of eggs, or have an egg allergy – try it out. It’s a chocolate cake and I’ve linked the printable recipe below. Oven times will vary, so be sure a toothpick comes out clean through the center so you know it’s ready!
In the interest of all things tie-dye, I looked to Pinterest for some inspiration and tie-dyed a classic buttercream recipe. I vaguely remember trying lots of frosting recipes several years back, and this is the one I keep going back to. I made a single batch and reserved some in 3 ramekin bowls (look Mom – they do have a use!).
First, lightly? frost the entire cake.
Next, color the frosting in the ramekins. I used teal, purple, and pink to match Aubrey’s shirt.
Ok so clearly I forgot to take a picture before I frosted - but you get the idea!
Dot the cake, alternating colors.
Use an offset spatula for a swirl/faux tie-dye effect.
We had a great Zoom call to end the night with our extended family. They all sang her “Happy Birthday” as she blew out an actual jarred candle. #wheninquarantine, am I right?! Although we couldn’t share our dessert with any birthday guests, we did unintentionally make them pretty jealous. My dad was a little disappointed he couldn’t have his mom’s cake, but declined my offer for a porch drop-off. Good thing because we ate it all by lunch the next day (I may or may not have eaten it for my breakfast and lunch). She opened a few presents and took name suggestions for her new baby doll. For curious minds, her Uncle Matt won, with his suggestion of Mattie.
With each passing birthday, it seems more and more impossible how much time has passed. I spent some time looking at Aubrey’s baby pictures on my computer. It also reminded me that I REALLY need to get my pictures organized and printed – but perhaps I’ll get to that in week 5. I included a few of my favorite pictures from her first week, and since we had some extra time on our hands, I did a little recreation too. :) This is sure to be a birthday we will never forget, in a time in the world we hope is once in a lifetime.
Here’s to Aubrey Lynn – who jokes her name is Aubrey Ruth – and the year of FIVE. And to your mom successfully homeschooling you into Kindergarten preparedness. May the odds be ever in my favor.
Where has the time gone?
