The Adventures of Baby Bean: Surprise!!!

Dustin's birthday is July 22 and historically, we have pulled out all the stops for birthdays. For example, four years ago on his birthday, he asked me to marry him...three years ago we got married just three days after his birthday...two years ago, we moved to Florida...and last year, we spent a long weekend in Atlanta. And that is just four of the nine years we have spent together... :)

Three Years Already!! :)

As his birthday approached, I started to brainstorm about what we could do to celebrate (clearly, a romantic trip was out of the picture :) I wanted this birthday to be special since we now have Beanie to celebrate with us! Then, a couple weeks ago, he mentioned in casual conversation that the local fish store had two rare fish that he had always wanted. They were decently priced, too, considering their size. Immediately, the wheels in my head began to turn. It was perfect! It would make his day!Even though his birthday isn't until Sunday, I wanted to do something earlier so that I could plot and scheme without him being in the know. If I waited until the weekend, it wouldn't be a surprise!

I want to do something special for you, Daddy!

On Tuesday, I called the fish store. I was so excited to surprise him with a little gift when he got home but I wanted to make sure that if I bought the wrong fish, I would be able to return them. I had read the name of this fish in his blog and he had shown me a picture the night before when I had casually acted interested. I knew though that all fish look alike to me so there was a good chance I would screw it up. Unfortunately, I was greeted with an answering machine. The store was open everyday from noon until seven.....except for Tuesdays. Annoying.

On Wednesday, Beanie and I dropped Dust off at school and headed home to start our day. Eating, changing diapers, pumping, napping...it was the same old story. At noon, however, I called the fish store and explained my situation. He assured me that we could return the fish if I bough the wrong ones so my plan was back on track. We had to pick Dust up at 7pm so I had several hours to make my plan come to fruition.

Just hanging out with Mama :)

At 5pm, Beanie and I headed out to run the necessary errands. First stop: Family Dollar. Here, I grabbed birthday hats, a gift bag and some tissue paper. Also, Beanie and I both picked out cards for him :) Next stop: the fish store. We went inside and to make a long story short, walked out of the shop 30 minutes later with what we hoped were the correct fish! After fastening Bean into his seat, we headed to Dust's school. There, in the parking lot, Bean and I signed his cards. Also, I put the fish bags in the gift bag and decorated with the tissue paper.

Let's do it, Mom!

Clearly, I am intrigued!

Birthday Cards :)

The last step was getting Beanie prepared for the impromptu birthday party in the car! I tried (and failed) to put the party hat on his head. Still, I managed to snap a few quick photos before Dust made an appearance!

Beanie Baby :)

Completely aware of what is going on.......

Party Time!!

At 7pm, Dust started to make his way toward the car. I snapped a few photos of him as he walked toward us (I have an obsession with documenting everything...). His tie was loose and his shirt was untucked after the long day and he looked tired!

Birthday Boy <3

I jumped in the back of the car with Bean and made sure our hats were on straight. When Dust realized what was happening, he smiled immediately. "Happy Birthday!" I shouted!

Dust missed the memo that the whole purpose for this photo was to get BOTH of our hats... haha

There, in the parking lot of the school, Dust opened his cards and gift from us. He was elated :) It was just what he had needed after a long day of class and an even longer semester of tests!

L<3ve

Cards :)

Woo Hoo!

When we got home, Dust put the new fish in his tank and he and Bean admired them for a while. My detective skills worked...they were the right fish! Our adventure was definitely a success :)