In a total Rip Van Winkle moment, I woke up yesterday to the stunning realization that nine years have passed while I’ve been sleeping. I mean, maybe hustling through the never ending work of raising a family instead of sleeping, but it numbs your awareness of time much like sleeping, until you wake up at the exact moment a crowd of friends is huddled around your child singing “Happy Birthday Dear Nella….”, and this grown child is smiling, blowing out a candle; and the number “9” catches your attention, and…”Wait—what?!”
Nine years, folks. The first day of her life felt like an entire year of painfully holding my breath; and then the following nine years rushed by, sweeping me away in delight that has felt like one steady satisfying exhale. Tomorrow is her actual birthday which means tonight I will travel back into the abyss of computer folders and journal entries–the portal to that room, that day, those moments. And the moral to the never ending story is…celebration and gratitude for the incredible ways our children surprise us, delight us and teach us with another year.
Yesterday we celebrated with friends with a Mad Science themed birthday party. We’ve checked off so many themes within our family now, finding ways to incorporate our children’s most beloved things (Barbies! Spaghetti! Wands!). Now, I just throw out a bunch of ideas and see what hooks them. Nella loved the idea of making slime and doing experiments, so a Mad Science party it was. The bonus was that I had some party things stashed away from our Halloween parties that I knew would double for Mad Science decor. And since so many things qualify as science (bugs! rocks! chemistry! crystals!), it made it easy to decorate.
The hanging molecules are ball pit balls with dowel rods poked into them (poked a little hole first with the end of scissors–didn’t need glue though, they held on their own) and hung with fishing line (thanks, Pinterest).
Large Test tubes: Amazon. Plastic bugs: Amazon.
The Dissect-a-Frog kits were just chocolate frogs made with green candy melts and this frog mold (I added sugar eye balls) served in a grill drip pan with a plastic knife, ruler and frog anatomy diagram I printed from the Internet.
The “Bacteria Jello” is lime jello set in petri dishes with some cake sprinkles added just before serving (should have sprinkled less–the dye taste was a little strong with so many).
The Periodic Table is a sheet of wrapping paper from Paper Source.
Erlenmeyer Flask Cookie Cutter and my favorite cookie recipe
And rock candy made the perfect “rock crystals” favor.
This party was such a fun one to host because my inner teacher had the chance to reemerge for all the experiments.
We watched balloons blow up on their own from the carbon dioxide created in the chemical reaction of mixing baking soda (spooned in to a balloon) with vinegar (at the bottom of the water bottle).
The kids each took turns breaking open their own geodes to find crystals inside (we used this set).
We tested the density of different liquids by layering them in test tubes (we used honey, colored corn syrup, dish detergent, oil and colored water).
My dad attempted to make a hard boiled egg pass through the opening of a glass bottle with a lit match inside, but it wouldn’t work. He tried to fudge the results by shoving the egg in with his hand, but the egg broke apart into a mess of shredded eggs, and the kids were all laughing and yelling, “It’s a fail!” Science is tricky.
By far, the favorite “experiment” was creating slime, the phase that seems to never die. We are going on nearly three years, and they’re still completely enthralled.
Lainey led this session because she has, like, 600 hours of YouTube D.I.Y.s under her belt.
She swears by the simple ingredient list of Elmer’s glue, Tide detergent (just a little at a time added), optional shaving cream (to make it fluffy) and a few drops of food coloring.
A little pepper sprinkled on a plate of water with a toothpick dipped in dish soap created another impressive experiment for the kids (see it done here).
But all the oohs and ahhs came from the magical flying wish paper. Each of Nella’s friends was asked to write down a wish for Nella, and they all took turns watching their wish be magically transformed when I rolled up the paper and lit it on fire.
I told them the wish would come true if it lifted into the sky. And one by one, each wish lifted and floated away.
A little drop of dry ice adds the science to any party.
Nella didn’t know if she was supposed to blow the candle out or the fog.
As for Nella’s participation in her party this year and her interaction with friends, it was a really good year for that. Special needs can present challenges when it comes to socialization which sometimes makes things like birthday parties tricky. We’ve invited friends over before and have been disappointed when Nella runs off to her room and wants nothing to do with anyone, and we’ve had to figure out what works best over the years. But we haven’t given up, and I feel like we’ve discovered–at least for now–what works well in keeping everyone connected and happy at parties (perhaps I should dedicate a post to socializing and friendships with special needs?). One thing that helps a lot is hiring a baby sitter Nella really loves to help out at parties. That way, if Nella needs a break from people, her babysitter can orchestrate a small group game in Nella’s bedroom. She didn’t need any breaks this year though, and our babysitter was so helpful at keeping the kids connected. I also have to give a lot of credit to Nella’s friends and their families. They know Nella so well–they coax her into things she’s hesitant to do, they love and embrace her precious quirks, and they continually astound me with their compassion and ability to speak Nella’s own special language. Their parents do a good job of teaching their children how to be good friends and it shows.
And on this ninth year, that is what I am most grateful for. I could hardly imagine in my cloud of fear, holding that baby nine years ago, that this is what life would look like–this huddle of love that has followed her all these years.
Our little scientist continues to bring so much joy.
…and we can’t wait to celebrate her real birthday all over again tomorrow.
Kate perey says
Happy 9th birthday Miss Nella!
Wishing you the joy and happiness that you deserve….and happy 9th birthday to you too Mama. You rock!
Kelle, you are such a sweet soul, reading your blog feels like standing with your face towards the sun on a cold day…….and when I grow up I’d like to be you please (let’s just ignore the fact I’m 47 ?) xxx
Kari says
Would love a post about friendship/socializing! My son with DS just turned 6!
LIsa says
What a great party! That last picture of Nella looks just like you! Happy birthday little lady!
Islandgirlhummingbird-Elizabeth says
Happy Birthday Sweet Nella!
Wishing you many birthday wishes and blessings. Enjoy your day!????❤???
Janae says
HAPPY BIRTHDAY BEAUTIFUL NELLA!!! You have such an AMAZING Mommy!!!! What an amazing party, I may be a little jealous being a biologist and all ?
Kristin Robinson says
Wow. Have I really been following you for NINE years? Holy moly. Seems like it was just yesterday. Nella is a beautiful your lady, you Nella and Lainey all resemble each other so closely. Happy birthday to sweet Nella!?
Shelley Donohue says
Happy Birthday Nella! Such an adorable party. I can’t believe I’ve been reading your blog for nine years. My own babies were only 7 and 3 back then. Uggg my heart!
Molly Stephany says
Happy birthday Nella! What an amazing birthday party you had. You have the best mom ever. She loves you so much!
Ellen says
Happy 9th Birthday Nella!
Emma in England says
I can’t believe I have been reading your blog for nine years! That’s passed quickly!
Happy birthday to Nella Cordelia!
Xxxx
Jennifer Reil says
Happy Birthday Nella!! I read Bloom when I was pregnant with Macy, but I didn’t realize what date Nella’s birthday is. I’m reading this blog post on January 22nd, but I believe it was written yesterday, so I think Nella’s birthday is today. Am I right? Today is my sweet Macy’s first birthday too!! It would be pretty special if my sweet girl shared a birthday with your sweet girl :).
Julie Fisher says
This is such a cute party! You thought of everything and everyone is so engaged! Can you please share the source for your cute green striped plates?
Rosemary Sul says
Happy birthday Nella! You are such a wonderful girl and are going to accomplish so much. You bring joy and love to all. Your family is blessed just because you are you!
Joanna says
Happy Birthday Nella!!!? You are so Amazing!!!!! Kelle I love looking back at all your birthday parties!! They are so fun and creative!!! I wasn’t disappointed with this one!Looks like fun!!!!
Reenie says
Happy Happy Birthday Ms. Nella!! 🙂
I say this every time you have a Bday party for your kids ~ love it!! You’re so creative.
This line cracked me up: . . . “because she has, like, 600 hours of YouTube D.I.Y.s under her belt.” Ha!!! 😀
Reenie says
Love your hair blonde.
Amy says
Happy birthday, Nella!
Aimee Contreras says
Happy 9th birthday to Nella! Your posts bring me such joy. I started reading your blog after reading your book, “Bloom” about the early part of your family journey with Nella. Your approach to life, family, friends and work are truly inspiring. How you document your family memories is beautiful- thank you for sharing. Keep doing what you are doing.
Jeanne says
I love, love, love the dress with the lab beakers? Where did you find this?
So creative! How do you find the time???
Jeanie says
Happy birthday, Nella! You are awesome!!
Glenda says
Wow! What an amazing birthday party for sweet Nella.
I remember reading your book which I loved it’s love and rawness.
I love love your blonde hair!
Here’s to many more parties!!!
Jen says
This party looks amazing! And Happy Birthday Nella! I’ve been reading your blog for almost 7 years now (with many breaks, I have two kiddos), and you still find the inspiring words I need to hear (and give me such good party ideas!). As the aunt of a beautiful nephew who is on the brink of being diagnosed with some sort of delay, I find myself coming back to your posts and reading them to my sister, to assure her that beauty and joy can be found, even when life doesn’t work out the way you hoped. Thanks <3
Marlene says
You are an amazing momma!
Michelle says
You always impress me with your parties. I’m so glad that Nella has friends that understand and love her too. Thanks as always for giving us all great ideas.
Holly says
Pleade, please share where you found Nella’s shirt with beakers! Love it!
Thanks for this post. We are going through a mad scientist phase with my 6 year old. Such fun and creative ideas.
Happy Birthday,Nella!
Kelle, your posts are a masterclass in parenting. Job well done. I love following along. So inspiring.
Kelle says
It’s from Etsy! (Shop name is Sorcerers Sewn) Here is the link:
https://www.etsy.com/listing/620563814/science-stem-chemistry-science-beekers?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=science+dress&ref=sr_gallery-1-33&organic_search_click=1
amy says
Would love to see a post about socializing and special needs. It really is tricky to navigate, and is something that’s changed over the years for us too 🙂
ZELLA says
Happy Birthday Nella, all the way from Finland! You rock 🙂
Victoria says
Happy birthday sweet Nella all the way from England. Kelle, I can’t believe I have been reading your blog for nine years since the very week Nella was born, how long had that passed!?
Happy birthday to your sweet girl Nella Cordelia! xxx
ellen patton says
My mom had us decorate paper plates at one of my birthday parties (#stepasidemarthastewart). Your kids are so lucky! You’ve got great ideas!
Science Party says
It was a blast and not really that hard to do!
So much fun! My son who is 8 would love this party!