Mouse's Corner: Birthday Wishes

I overloaded everyone on Facebook with photos of Mouse's weekend birthday celebration, but will keep it to a minimum here.  It all began Friday with a party for her friends.  Like in years past, Mouse was able to have her party at school so that all her friends could be there. We rented a jumper, brought pizza and cupcakes and goody bags, played a game and did an arts and crafts project (making Lalaloopsy puppets). The children had a fun time, and Mouse enjoyed playing hostess. All on her own, she brought some of her candy from home to share with her friends, giving them out as prizes after everyone participated in the ring toss game. So much for the bubbles I had brought as prizes (although they got those too--just in their goody bags).

In preparation for Saturday's family party, Mouse and her dad made her birthday cake--a strawberry cake with white frosting and pink trim. She added buttons to the top to give it the final Lalaloopsy touch. It turned out very well and there were many oohs and ahs heard when the cake was finally revealed.  Before cake, however, came our usual Saturday activities. All the grandparents and one of her uncles joined Anjin and I on the sidelines for Mouse's soccer class, followed by play time at the park. When we got home, the girls (the two grandmas, Mouse and I) got out the craft supplies and made birthday decorations for the tree. We had so much fun! We spent some time outside trying out her new scooter, enjoying the breeze and warm weather. It made for a pleasant day.

  

On Sunday, we visited Farrell's Ice Cream Parlor and Restaurant for lunch. The wait staff are always entertaining, singing and joking with the customers. We stopped by Barnes and Noble on the way home, a nice way to end the celebration.

Mouse had the full attention of six adults the entire weekend, and she made sure to take full advantage of it.  Today is her actual birthday, and it was hard to go into work instead of being able to spend the day with her. She and her dad made a birthday cake just for her friends for today. Mouse is so proud to be sharing something she made with her friends. We will probably do something special tonight too--just a little something--to acknowledge the day with the family still in town. I still cannot believe my little girl is four now!

Four years old! She had a dentist appointment Thursday morning, at which time I was told they had time to see me as well (my appointment was scheduled for the following week). I hesitated, pointing out I had Mouse with me. The staff assured me that wouldn't be a problem. She could either sit with me and color or she could stay with the pediatric dental staff and watch cartoons. Mouse chose to stay with me. She colored a pony picture to give to her dentist and played quietly next to me while I was examined. She talked with my dentist and hygienist, impressing them with her good manners, patience, and thoughtfulness. With my mouth wide open, I couldn't say much or even smile--but you can bet I was feeling like the proud mama inside. 

I look at my daughter and I see a girl who is blossoming in front of me. Her curiosity knows no bounds. She loves to learn, takes everything in, observing and asking questions. She is a very hands on learner, as I imagine children her age often are. She is imaginative and thoughtful, dreamy and yet also very logical. She enjoys playing dress up and being a princess just as much as she loves building towers and playing with her trains. She likes to help out in the kitchen.  

She can be very silly one minute and very serious the next. Mouse can be shy around people she does not know, and yet she also isn't afraid to introduce herself to a new child at the park and ask them to play with her. Mouse is extremely affectionate, offering kisses and hugs, and freely will declare you her best friend and tell you she loves you if she deems you worthy. She likes to show off and perform for anyone willing to watch. Mouse is sweet and kind. She likes to share and believes in fairness. 

Mouse has a temper and will definitely let you know when she is upset or wants her way, but she is also easily comforted. Her anger rarely lasts long.  She is still mostly a mama's girl, but she does love her dad and enjoys their time together. Mouse continues to be a picky eater and can be very stubborn about not wanting to go to bed at bedtime.  

If you ask her what her favorite color is, she will tell you "every color of the rainbow!" Her favorite food is pasta (plain, hold the sauce). She's still quite attached to her thumb, but does not really have a favorite toy. She can watch the Lalaloopsy cartoons forever, but she's also quite fond of Handy Manny and Doc McStuffins. And we can't forget the Octonauts and Jake and the Neverland Pirates. Don't ask her if she wants to watch a movie. She doesn't. She does not have a favorite book, although she likes to be read to. Mouse still likes to make up her own songs and can often be heard singing. She likes to sing with me, but will tell her dad she doesn't want him to sing along with her if he tries.

I do worry. I worry that she is too kind. Too sweet. I worry that she is too affectionate towards people outside the family. I worry that she is too innocent, that I protect her too much. And yet all of these are things I love about her too.  Anjin and I are not the perfect parents. Sometimes we are harder on her than perhaps we should be and other times we go too easy on her. We include her in just about everything and maybe expect more from her than what her four years deserve. Sometimes we don't expect enough. What I do know, and what I've said a hundred times before, is that Mouse is such a joy to be around. Her smile melts my heart and her hugs make any bad day seem like a good one. She makes me want to be a better person.

Happy Birthday, my little Mouse.  

---

© 2015, Wendy Runyon of Musings of a Bookish Kitty. All Rights Reserved. If you're reading this on a site other than Musings of a Bookish Kitty or Wendy's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.