Family life 4: lux's life.

Chapter 37: Isla's First Birthday

The sun was shining brightly through the windows as Ethan and Jenna prepared for their daughter Isla's first birthday celebration. The house was adorned with soft pastel decorations, with banners spelling out "Happy 1st Birthday, Isla" hanging on the walls. A small, tiered cake sat on the dining room table, decorated with delicate flowers and topped with a single candle.

Jenna stood by the kitchen counter, finishing the last touches on the food while Lux played nearby with one of Isla's new toys. At three years old, Lux was eager to help celebrate her little sister's big day, her excitement contagious.

"Is Isla gonna get to eat cake, Mommy?" Lux asked, her wide eyes glancing up at Jenna.

Jenna smiled warmly at her. "She sure is, sweetie. But first, we'll sing to her and let her blow out the candle."

Ethan walked into the room carrying Isla, who was dressed in an adorable floral onesie, her dark hair tied with a pink bow. Isla wiggled in his arms, her curious eyes taking in the colorful decorations all around her.

"Look who's ready for her party!" Ethan said as he gently placed Isla in her high chair.

Lux rushed over to stand by her sister, looking proudly at Isla. "Happy birthday, Isla! You're one now!" she exclaimed.

Soon, the house filled with family and friends as everyone arrived to celebrate. Amelia, Lily, Camille, and even Jamie and Edwin brought their daughter Hilda, who toddled around the living room, exploring. The cousins giggled and played, while the adults gathered around the dining area to chat and enjoy the party.

When it was finally time for the cake, everyone crowded around Isla's high chair, with Ethan and Jenna standing close by, smiling with pride. The single candle on the cake flickered as Jenna lit it, and the room filled with the sweet sound of "Happy Birthday" being sung.

Isla stared wide-eyed at the candle, unsure of what was happening but enjoying the attention. When the song ended, Ethan leaned down to help her blow out the candle.

"Okay, Isla, can you do this?" he asked softly, and with a gentle blow, he helped extinguish the flame.

The room erupted in applause, and Lux clapped enthusiastically next to her little sister. "Yay, Isla!"

Jenna cut a small piece of the cake and placed it in front of Isla, who hesitated for a moment before plunging both hands into the icing. She smeared the cake across her face, giggling as the sweet frosting stuck to her cheeks.

"Looks like she's loving it!" Jenna laughed as she wiped some frosting off Isla's nose.

Lux giggled, watching her sister make a mess of the cake. "She's so silly!"

The rest of the party was filled with laughter, presents, and games. Isla, now covered in cake and completely in her element, played with the colorful wrapping paper more than the toys. Her innocent joy filled the room, and the entire family felt the warmth of the special day.

As the afternoon sun began to set, Ethan and Jenna stood back, watching their two daughters play together. Lux was showing Isla how to stack toy blocks, and Isla clumsily knocked them over with a delighted giggle.

"We've got two amazing girls," Ethan said quietly, wrapping an arm around Jenna.

Jenna smiled, leaning into him. "We sure do. Isla's first year went by so fast, but I'm grateful for every moment. I can't wait to see them grow up together."

They watched their daughters in comfortable silence, hearts full of love. Isla's first birthday was a day they would never forget—a beautiful celebration of family, love, and the start of many more wonderful years to come.

4o