"A Birthday to Remember"

The warm sunlight streaming through the windows highlighted the vibrant colors of the balloons and gifts laid out on the kitchen table, and the delicious aroma of freshly baked cupcakes wafted through the air, making Ashley's stomach growl with hunger. She smiled, knowing that today was a special day - Alex's fourth birthday. She had spent the morning preparing for the celebration, carefully arranging the balloons and gifts, and baking his favorite chocolate cupcake with bright blue frosting. As she finished getting everything ready, Ashley heard the sound of Alex stirring in his room. She quickly grabbed the camera and positioned herself by the door, ready to capture the moment when he woke up and saw the surprise waiting for him. A few moments later, Alex walked into the kitchen, rubbing the sleep from his eyes, and his face lit up with excitement as he took in the scene before him. "Happy birthday, Alex!" Ashley exclaimed, scooping him up in a big hug. Alex grinned, his eyes shining with excitement, as he took in the balloons, gifts, and cupcake. "Wow! Is it really my birthday?" he asked, his voice filled with wonder. Ashley smiled, feeling a sense of nostalgia wash over her. It seemed like just yesterday she was holding him in her arms for the first time, and now he was growing up to be a big, curious boy. "Yes, it is!" she replied, handing him the cupcake. "And I made your favorite, chocolate with blue frosting!" Alex's eyes widened as he took a bite of the cupcake, and his face lit up with delight. "Mmmmm, this is the best!" he exclaimed, crumbs spilling from his mouth. Ashley laughed, feeling a sense of joy and contentment wash over her. As they spent the morning enjoying the cupcake and opening gifts, Ashley couldn't help but think about the conversation she needed to have with Alex about the new baby. She had been putting it off, but she knew she couldn't delay it any longer. She decided that after lunch, she would sit down with Alex and have a talk with him. The rest of the morning flew by in a blur of laughter and excitement, with Alex eagerly unwrapping his gifts and exclaiming over each new toy. Ashley smiled, feeling grateful for this special moment with her son, but also aware that the conversation about the new baby was looming on the horizon. As they finished up the gifts and began to clean up the kitchen, Ashley felt a sense of trepidation wash over her. She knew that the conversation with Alex wouldn't be easy, but she was determined to approach it with honesty and sensitivity. She took a deep breath, steeling herself for the challenge ahead, and smiled at Alex, who was busy playing with his new toys. "Let's have lunch, okay?" she said, trying to sound casual. "And then we can talk about something important." Alex looked up at her, curious, but Ashley just smiled and winked at him. "You'll see," she said.