My little brother is 5 today. I missed his birth; I was on Semester at Sea at the time, and had just left Tanzania and was sailing on the Indian Ocean to India when my dad called in the middle of the night to tell me the news. I made it to birthdays 1 and 2 and have missed 3, 4, and now 5. It must suck when your big sister is really old and never around.

Jackson talks on the phone in short, 1- or 2-sentence segments during which he tells you stuff, says goodbye, and hands off the phone to a parent. Our first conversation when I called today:

Me: Hi! Happy birthday!
Jackson: Happy birthday to you too Dynah! Bye!

I guess he think it’s like any other holiday, where someone wishes you a good one and you reciprocate.

Our 2nd convo:

Me: What did you get for your birthday?
Jackson: Two other guys. Thanks for the guy! Bye!

I sent him a Bionicle (=”guy”). I don’t see the appeal, but I guess that’s what a 20-year age difference will do.