These are a few of my favorite things

Mia's entry into her third year was fairly traumatic. She caught the stomach bug circulating our fair city the day after her birthday, rendering her completely unable to do anything other than watch videos, read books, and sleep on Mom and Dad's bed all day. It was the sickest I think we've ever seen her, and it took about 10 days for her to fully recover. Ben caught the bug as well, and he too was sicker than I've ever seen him. Fortunately, I was spared, due most likely to extreme handwashing techniques and an immune system in overdrive.

The saddest part, though, was that Mia had to miss her formal birthday party. We had invited a handful of neighborhood friends over to celebrate. Nothing major, just some cake and music and balloons. By Friday we knew we had to cancel it (it was schedules for Sunday), and we just didn't get to reschedule it. She celebrated plenty the week leading up to the big day, but we still feel sad that the festivities had to be cancelled. I just put all of the party favors, streamers and balloons in our storage area--they should still be just fine for next year.

It's not all sad news around here, though. We're nesting in preparation for the boy's arrival, buying tiny pants and diapers and figuring out how to rearrange our home to accommodate a fourth person. Mia is very excited about being a big sister, although the advice she gives herself most often is, "Don't hit the brother." It's a start.

Really, though, this post is just to give as much attention to Mia's last few solo days. We only have a few more weeks of being able to give her all of our love and affection, to devote the hour and half it takes to read books to her at night, to give in to her every whim and desire. All things we do out of our undying love for her. Next month, she'll have to share the spotlight. I don't think she'll be too sad about it. I think she'll love helping out, picking out clothes for her brother, getting diapers and wipes and burpcloths. But just in case, I want to remember what she was like during this period.
Some funny things she says these days:
(While standing up and lifting a leg in the bathtub) "I pee pee like Walter!"
"Mommy, move your tushy!"
(While hitting Walter with a bowl) "Don't hit Walter! He's a good boy!"
(While rubbing Ben's back) "Daddy's a good boy!"
"Chocolate! It's delicious!"

Here's a few photos that show her favorite things, Winter 2008 (eating cupcakes, wearing Mom's shoes, not wearing pants, hanging).