Thirteen Candles

Birthdays are a big deal around here.  On the 361 days a year that we aren't actually celebrating one of our birthdays, the girls are planning, making wish lists, and in the case of nearly 4-year-old R, baking imaginary cakes.  This morning, R pounced on me in bed:  "It's your birthday, Mom - I baked you a cake" (presenting her cupped hands).

R:  "Now, I will sing!  Happy Birthday to you!  Happy Birthday to you!  Happy Birthday Dear Mommy!  Happy Birthday to you!"

Mom:  "Wow, R, that's so..."

R:  "Are ya 1!  Are ya 2!  Are ya 3...

Mom:  "Oh dear, you could be at this a while..."

R: "Are ya 4...are ya 5...are ya 6..."

Mom (wondering how high she can actually count) "R, you don't have to..."

R: "Are ya 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12...I'm done." 

And for today, I'm 12.  :)  Happy Birthday, indeed!


P.S.  My actual birthday, the big 4-Oh that I'm supposed to be facing upside-down, is not until July.  But I am all too aware that only a few months remain to tackle some of the kid-sized challenges I was hoping to face this year. 

On the original list:  Diving (check!), Bicycling (check!), Handstand (uhhhhh....).  I've tried boogie boarding, fishing, drumming, skating along the way.  New to the list for spring:  Throwing and catching a ball.  Any other suggestions? 

P.P.S.  For my actual birthday, I may teach R to count by tens...

Haiku Valentine

Three-year-old R speaks in Haiku.  Spontaneous, pointed exclamations of feeling.  This time, at the dinner table, to me, her mom:

"Oh!  I want to cry -
My heart is breaking because
You are done growing."

My heart breaks for love of you, R and G.  Here's one for both of you:

May you grow and grow
Up and out, in and beyond
All your wildest dreams.