Because today was John’s 52nd birthday, it was Tammy’s idea that the theme for his party should be “casino night.” Because, you see, he likes to play (and watch) poker, and there are 52 cards in a deck. Get it? So we were all instructed to include a deck of novelty playing cards attached to the presents we gave him. Mine was a Dora the Explorer deck. Eric gave him a pinochle deck (with 48 cards, the idea being that he’s not playing with a full deck; get it?).

The party was at Tammy and David’s house, mostly because it’s easier to keep children busy in their own home. It was planned that way even before Aiden and Kylie got sick. They both went to the doctor today. Aiden has a slight fever from teething, and Kylie has a rash on her face. Nothing serious in either case, but it made it better that they were home. In fact, both were asleep long before the party broke up.

But you wouldn’t have known Aiden was sick at all, from the way he charmed the socks off everyone there. He might not have been fully aware that he was celebrating his grandpa’s birthday, but that didn’t stop him from being the life of the party. He was his usual happy self, and he’s getting more words and phrases all the time.

He’s definitely his daddy’s little boy, as much as Kylie is her mama’s baby. But Aiden has come a long way and soaks up attention from anyone willing to give it, so we can be pretty sure Kylie will get to that point, too. I have to admit, she was not soothed when I tried to sing to her, but really, nobody is.

As soon as we could, we removed the party to John and Suzanne’s house. The babies were asleep, and it only made sense for everyone to leave so Tammy and David could rest while it was quiet. They don’t get a lot of sleep, with two babies, one barely a month old, in the house, and they have to take advantage while they can.