Magnus is Three

I've heard a lot of talk about middle child syndrome, "When a middle child - typically of a family of three kids who are close in age - feels left out or neglected. " (Urban Dictionary) But I can't seem to figure out how Magnus fits into that definition.  Yes, he's the second of three kids who are close in age, but he always seems to find a way to maximize  attention.  Sometimes it's naughtiness, sometimes it's dirtiness. More often though, it's his charm and spunk that wins everyone over.  Last week Magnus turned three and we threw a small party for him at Coyote Point Park.

It was a monster themed party held in the morning, so we brought along a brunch spread.  Now that I have my hands really full, birthday parties are a real team effort.  My parents were nice enough to bring bagels and a vat of coffee for us zombies. Kerstin and Kajsa made these cute monster sandwiches for the kids.

Magnus chose a red velvet cake with green frosting, and he specifically asked for it to look like it was bleeding when we cut it.  I piped the frosting with a grass tip and cut jumbo marshmallows (see previous post) for the eyes and teeth.

All that food coloring was a recipe for disaster, but the kids seemed to love it. 

After a few games we all head over to a small beach where you can watch airplanes land at SFO.  Since it's the bay there are no waves, and it's safe for the kids to play in.

Three years have passed since  Magnus' arrival, but I can still acutely remember that bittersweet day.  We were so scared of the unknown, and raising a child that was born different.  I remember wanting to protect him from the cruelty of childhood, and worrying about the challenges that faced him.  Now that we really know him though, it's easy to put all that worry aside.  This kid's got true grit, and there isn't much that will stand in the way of him and what he wants.  He's loud and free to be himself.  And if anyone doesn't like it? Lil Magnus (a.k.a. Honey badger) don't care!