My daughter turns 5 years old later this week. But we decided to celebrate it on the Sunday beforehand since myself and the hubby are both off work on the weekends. So, what did the 5 year milestone involve, you might ask? You probably have images of screaming children, games, sugary treats, gift bags, balloons, etc. But it was hardly any of that. No, my daughter did not want a birthday party.

“Hmmm, that seems a bit odd,” I can imagine you thinking right now. It was very odd for me at first, I’ll tell you. “What child does NOT want a birthday party?” I asked myself over and over again. Even though my daughter seemed very comfortable in her decision, it did not sit well with me. I went through a whole process of acceptance. Initially her decision lead me to worry even more about her social development. She has always been an independent child from the time she was a baby. She is very good at entertaining herself, often finding activities to amuse her for hours on end. I am the envy of many of my friends who are parents because of this. Yes, I am grateful that I don’t have to constantly keep her busy, but at the same time I find it odd that she rarely requests play-dates or vocalizes that she wants friends to come over. At the park she’d rather climb a tree by herself or engage her little brother. Only occasionally has she approached other children to play with her.

And I am the opposite. I am a social person and often am proactive in reaching out to friends and organizing events. So to see my own offspring mostly reject this social behaviour is a bit unsettling to me. But then who am I to project my personality and social habits on to my own child?

So we took Sloane to the aquarium, just like she requested. We left Tai at home and she got to spend her special day with Mommy and Daddy. She brought along her camera to take pictures of all the fishes, creatures and other animals. We patiently waited outside each fish tank and pool while she snapped photos with her Fisher-Price camera. I watched her as she studied each display, the light shining down on her Kewpie-doll face, her camera  poised and ready in her pudgy-Starfish hands. She was so happy and also so concentrated in her activities (so typical her). But even Robin and I exchanged confused glances when we offered to buy her something from the gift shop and her response was, “Uhm, no thanks. I’ll just take a picture instead!” And *click* she took some pictures of the toys.

After the aquarium we went to White Spot and she got a Pirate Pack meal. Robin and I were able to have an uninterrupted meal (for the most part) while our daughter quietly devoured her 2 burger sliders, all the french fries (dipped in ketchup), chocolate ice cream and a chocolate coin. Again, so typical her.

I watched her, focused on the meal and content in her thoughts. So well-adjusted, I thought to myself. It just re-iterated that I think she’s awesome and she’s her own person, and I have to respect that. I hugged her beside me and told her that I love her. She smiled back, with ketchup and chocolate smeared all around her mouth. I hope she never changes. May she be 5 years old forever, and only want to hang out with her parents for her birthday outing. I wish.