Turning Three and Looking Back

We had Mia's third birthday party at The Little Gym this year. She's been in TLG since she was 18 months and loves it. She invited all of her friends, and they had a blast running around, playing with the parachute, walking on the balance beam, doing forward rolls, hanging from the bars, etc. There were 15 of them total. Mia was on cloud 9. After an hour in the gym, we served pizza and a cupcake "cake" and ice cream. I found these cute little candles that spelled "Mia." And, again experienced one of those "my-child-is-growing-up" moments when she didn't need our help for ANYTHING. She stood up in front of the room as everyone sang "happy birthday" and then turned around like a pro and blew out the candles.

Mia's birthday has me thinking about some of my favorite memories of her over the past three years. Here are some favs:

• Kitty - Called "Key" by Mia, Kitty is one of those little blanket things with a kitty head. I remember getting a few of these at my baby showers and thinking, "What are these things?" Now I know. Kitty is our security. There was a tragic accident at a hotel in Williamsburg two years ago when we think the maid accidentally took Kitty, so we're on our second. But, I researched and found the exact replica (bought two just in case), which has been with us every day since. I wash Kitty every week, but she still has a distinct smell - a mix of urine, drool and Mia's baby lotion. Sounds awful - but I've grown to like it. I always thought if Mia ever gave up Kitty how I would have to put her in an air-tight bag so she wouldn't lose her smell. Weird, I know. But, you have to savor childhood somehow, I guess.


• The Motrin Bottle - For about six months and maybe longer - somewhere between one and two-years-old - Mia carried around empty infant Motrin bottles. She took them everywhere - to bed, to the store, in the bath, to the pool, etc. Our friends even made her a t-shirt which read, "I Love Motrin." Everyone commented on her infatuation with them. How often do you see a barely-walking toddler carrying around medicine bottles?


• Baby Ava - A cousin gave me Baby Ava at my baby shower, so Mia has had her since birth. She named her after our good friends' baby (Ava). Baby Ava is a member of our family. We're as attached to her as Mia is. And, I was so glad when Mia got her second doll that she still favored Baby Ava. I was sad thinking she might be replaced. But, five dolls later, and she still gets priority seating in the strollers and grocery cart and gets to sleep in Mia's bed.


• Her enthusiasm - Even as a baby, she has always been so enthusiastic about everything, which makes doing things with her that much more fun. You truly enjoy life more when looking at it through the eyes of your little one.


• Her love of music - We started her in Kindermusik at four months. She was moving to music and carrying a tune before she could crawl/talk. She's going to be our singing star, I just know it.


• Her first day of pre-school - After AGONIZING over whether to send her at two, the first day of school finally came, and I was so proud of her. Her little lip quivered, and she looked at me and said "mommy, stay a yittle while," but there was no loud crying or gripping me begging me not to leave. I was the one who was a mess - bawled all the way home. But, best decision yet; she loves school.

Ok, so some of these are more "now" than memories, but these are the things that come to mind and warm my heart when I think of Mia. Interestingly enough, the first three things that came to mind are the things that she's loved the most.