Birthday Traditions: The Birthday {Pan}Cake

Sunday Pancake Breakfast is a tradition in our home. It’s one very close to Daddy D’s heart, as his own Dad used to make them for him every weekend. Daddy D has told me how Grandpa Bell would make extra large pancakes, taking his time while a young, little D waited anxiously at the table. They would chat about their week, my father-in-law molding my husband into the extraordinary man he was destined to become. With Alina turning three this week, birthday traditions have been heavy on my mind. Grandpa Bell and Alina’s wonderful Daddy are the foundation of the birthday {pan}cake, a tradition I hope makes Alina feel special for many birthdays to come.

Birthday Traditions to Start The Day Off Right

Daddy D makes a healthy version of pancakes every weekend; ones packed with whole wheat, bananas, blueberries. I even sneak in Brewers Yeast when he isn’t looking. Obviously, this one isn’t so healthy. I made whipped cream from scratch, melted down chocolate chips, and added a few strawberries and sprinkles. A couple friends were teasing me on Instagram (find me! @DeSuMama), but actually gave me some ideas for the future! One friend asked if I added carrots to the chocolate (AWESOME!) and another asked if it was Nutella. Great ideas, right?!

As Alina gets older, our routines and traditions are more obvious to her. She knows what to expect and is understanding that our family has our own way of doing things. I love that. I love that our parenting efforts are starting to take shape in the person she is becoming. This birthday tradition is a simple, inexpensive tradition that can be carried on into her school years.

I love that, before the craziness of the day ensues, my child has already been smothered with love for her special day. Her eyes lit up upon seeing her birthday pancake and glowed while we sang her happy birthday. Still in our pj’s, her eyes danced back and forth, back and forth, between her dad and I. We sang together, looking straight at her, wishing her the happiest of birthdays. I know she heard us, as she is one very happy three year old.

Daddy D went back upstairs and left me to clean up; he was gone for work shortly after. Our routine continues, but these birthday traditions will make certain that my baby girl feels the sweet love that her parents have for her.

Does your family have special birthday traditions? Tell me about them?!