Hello Spring, and a hunt for a first birthday candle.

It's official, spring has arrived! 

Last year, spring's arrival was much anticipated, March 21st was my goal date the entire pregnancy. I knew if baby stayed put that long he would be full term, born in spring instead of winter (I have a very rocky relationship with winter), and we would have a little Aries in the house to compliment our Leo (these things matter when your grandmother is an astrologer).  Thankfully, we made it that far plus a couple of extra days.

This year, we are preparing to celebrate Eli's first birthday this weekend, which is why we have been hunting for that classic 1st birthday candle all week. 

Our first attempt was at the mall on Wednesday. 

Making wishes in the fountain at the mall. 

Pretty much every week we meet our friends at the mall, we call it our happy place. 

We usually spend 3-4 hours walking around (exercise!), chatting, shopping, and of course we have to grab lunch at Panda Express.

I was hoping we would find the candle here because I had my friends to support me in case of an emotional breakdown. 

Why would someone have an emotional breakdown over a candle? 

Such a good question.

 It unexpectedly happened to me while buying Max's big 1 candle...I'm hoping we can attribute that to pregnancy hormones, I was about 7 weeks pregnant at the time.

In any case, it seems like a good idea to have friends around just in case it happens again. 

Aww.

I felt a little nervous as we approached the stationary store...found my way to the candle display, only to see every single number except 1. 

They were sold out of first birthday candles. 

Fail. 

Ish taking a picture of me taking a picture of our children being adorable at the fountain. 

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I made a second attempt today on a trip to Target. 

Picture from a previous Target excursion with Nicole and her little ones. 

A few weeks back I discovered that our Target trips go much better with friends, so I was happy that Nicole needed to make a Target run too today, plus she was there in case of "candle trauma". 

I don't want to name any names, but let's just say Max  the boys were not good. (we try try try not to use the word bad, but it's hard, and sometimes spirited, determined, and passionate just don't apply) 

Max whined, refused to sit down in the cart, didn't share, pooped, and climbed displays. 

Eli got a goose egg on his head after tumbling into an endcap. 

We were so those people at Target today. (Not Nicole, her kids were awesome)

All of that and no first birthday candle* to show for it.

*They did technically have a 1 candle but it was itty bitty, not the big classic white candle I'm after.  

"You bought all of this stuff and I still don't have a candle?!"

On the plus side we got some adorable Easter supplies. 

All of that to say, maybe Eli won't be turning 1 this weekend after all ;)

You can't turn 1 without a candle, you just can't.