My Pandemic Birthday

On Monday, I celebrated my 11th birthday! Due to the pandemic, I wasn't able to have a birthday party with my friends. I was disappointed, but this is our new reality, unfortunately. Still, my moms made the day really special! They brought me my traditional balloon bouquet. We took photos outside our building (masks off just briefly for the photo, don't worry!) and checked how much I've grown compared to other years.

My cake was chocolate-pumpkin with pumpkin cream cheese icing! Yum! It was perfect for my November birthday. I had a Miffy candle on it, in honor of theme I had wanted to have for a party.

I also had the opportunity to video chat with my good friend Brooke! Her family typically splits their time between Seattle and New York City, but Seattle is their home base for now, due to the pandemic. We haven't seen each other since February! We do video chat often, but today was special because she sent me a birthday gift and I got to open it with her right on screen.

Hurrah! Brooke gave me a beautiful Elsa ornament for my New Year tree. It's a bit of a bittersweet gift, because Brooke and I also have the tradition of trimming my New Year tree together. We alternate who puts the topper on the tree. This year, it'll be me by default!

I'm glad I still had a happy birthday despite the hardships we've faced this year. The most important thing is that my family and friends are healthy! Have you celebrated a birthday during these trying times?