How Old Are You?

I'm that mom.

The one who does not want her baby to grow up.

I'm the mom who never rounds up.

If she's going to be six months old tomorrow I'll tell you just that.

I'm pretty sure most normal moms would just round up.

The thing is, I have a hard timed handling the fact that time passes so quickly.

Recently, I've loosened up a bit.

A couple of weeks ago, as we were on our way to the bathroom at the beach, an elderly couple stopped us to comment on how adorable she was. Who was I to deny them the pleasure? When they asked her age, I replied "She's three and a half".

As we walked away and continued on to the bathroom, I was surprised to receive a very indignant little "Mommy! I not fwee and a haf, I fwee!"

Could it be? A sudden role reversal?


8/8/08 - My sweet little Mad Hatter actually turned three and a half.


I decided that a little celebration was in order.


There's a bakery near us that sells fabulous cupcakes.


MH loves them because they are adorned with Disney Princess rings. And lots of frosting.

After a fairly simple explanation of how we were celebrating the fact that she was now three and a half, how birthdays work, how many months are in a year, and the concept that this day was exactly halfway between the day she turned 3 and the day she'll turn 4, she seemed to get it.


That, or she just wanted the freakin' cupcake already.


I lit a candle, Sweetheart and I sang, and MH nearly caught herself on fire reaching for that ring!

ahh, behold the glorious frosting . . .

simply delish! (and wearing my new ring makes it that much sweeter!)

"This is my super special magical ring!"

And I am so very proud of it!

Friends, that cupcake was licked clean of all visible frosting. To my major dismay, MH has not yet learned to behold the wonder that is cake! I am sadly reminded of this every time I spend money on one more beautiful cupcake. Here's what happened as I (in slo-mo, running hobbling towards the sink) yelled "Noooooooooo!"

You see, the Mad Hatter has become quite the little helper in the kitchen. When she's done eating something, she brings it right over to the sink and heaves it right in. Normally, I give her a big kudos.

But - I must say - I was ready to kill her slightly disappointed this time.

That's right - I'm that mom too.

The one who would have scraped off the part she'd slobbered all over devoured, and eaten the perfectly good cake that was left.

Happy half-birthday my beautiful little princess.

Each and every day of the last three and a half years has been one big adventure with you, and I wouldn't trade it for a thing.

Except maybe the rest of your cupcake (although you are far sweeter and more enjoyable than even that!).

Oh, and since our little party?

Go ahead and ask her how old she is.

She will pause for just a second or two and proudly proclaim "I fwee and a half!"