Ashworth Alcove

Your big day was on Thursday this year. The day started with whip cream and sprinkles, with a side of pancakes. The day ended with a bubble machine in the backyard and ice cream cake. Your party was on Saturday. Guests included: your friends from the cul-de-sac, your favorite coworkers of mine - Chris and Tammy, and Nonnie, who traveled all the way from Tennessee. As requested, the theme was yellow and chocolate.

You stand 3 ft. 3 in. tall. You wear 3T-4T clothing and size 8 shoe. Some days your eyes seem more of a gray-blue. Your hair is well past your shoulders and stringy straight. It's soft and fine and slithers out of every pony tail that I've made in vain. You've only had the one haircut just before turning two. I've offered to take you for a trim but you insist that it will hurt. You have a few tiny moles that have appeared - one on your back, one on your arm and one on the back of each thigh. You are kind. At three, you are more thoughtful than most adults. When your birthday party guests arrived, you promptly began handing out party favors to each one - even me. Then you began handing out drinks. Just days ago I was laying down with a horrible headache and you brought me your vitamins and promised it would make me better. You are incredibly capable of doing things for yourself, which makes you feel empowered and independent. You are funny and dramatic at time...