birthday review

i thought i'd post a quick recap of bug's birthday celebration before the entire month of march passes. on most days i don't feel like i get a moment to myself until after she goes to bed, and by that time, i'm ready to catch up on the day's reading, have some uninterrupted present time with anne, or start some insane and spontaneous cooking project. i had another mother-of-the-year episode the other day in which, as i was attempting to do something simple for myself (probably something like eating, going to the bathroom, or reading something that would not be considered children's literature) i yelled, "I NEED TO HAVE ONE OF MY OWN NEEDS MET BEFORE SEVEN O'CLOCK!" which prompted note to self: must implement at least 15 minutes of quiet time each afternoon without this seeming punitive.

but as usual i digress. the little adah raeda had a marvelously celebratory third birthday. she woke up to balloons, her favorite pancakes, and this incredible dollhouse, which was gifted to us by one of my student's mothers. she practically begged me to take this off her hands, which is just ludicrous. every little part of it is beautifully crafted, and some of my favorite moments of the day involve overhearing adah conversing with a handful of little fellows from behind the house. she talks them into unpacking, gives them baths, sings to them, puts the whole family to sleep in a homemade bed. it kills me, the things i hear her talking about in there.

so the dollhouse was a hit, and after breakfast, she was swifted away to grandma's to "get fancy" for her party. obviously adah inherited this desire from my mother, because i can hardly stand to get dressed up since usually getting dressed up doesn't involve pajamas. but oh how fortunate this kid is to get the full realm of experiences: she's got her muddy chicken boots alternating with her sparkly red dress shoes (which, by the way, she likes to wear with everything.)

the party was full and jubilant and loud, and couldn't even stifle the introverts, it was so merry. thanks, family and friends, for being here to celebrate with us!

and here's a mom and an alex helping blow out candles: