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Entry #9 ~ July 2002
~ Happy Birth-Month!

Dear Charon,

What a wonderful birthday month we've had! When you turned one and two, we had a small party for you each year, inviting immediate family and a couple of close friends to our house to celebrate. This year, we couldn't find a day that would work for everyone, so we decided to have two parties, one for each side of the family. We also decided to go to them rather than having them come to us, because that way we could have some extended family join us. What fun!

We went up to the cabin for the July 4th week, and celebrated with my side. The biggest thrill for you wasn't the presents - it was the cake! You picked it out with me, deciding you definitely wanted chocolate, and we got some sprinkles and candles for you to put on top. At the cabin, you helped to make it, mixing the batter and licking the spoon and getting very sticky and chocolate-y. You blew out the candles all by yourself! (photo 1) After the cake, when you sat down in the living room in front of your pile of gifts, you exclaimed, "Presents? For me?"

Our second party was at the B's - Daddy's side of the family. Again, I think your favorite thing was the cake. We were going to have it after dinner, so Gramma had hidden it away. We hadn't mentioned it to you, worried you'd insist it be eaten immediately. But you knew it was your party, and of course, with a party comes cake. After being there for an hour or so, you climbed up to sit at the table, looked at Gramma and queried, "Where's my cake?" She did a great job of gently explaining to you when the cake would appear, and you accepted the wait. They got a Scooby-Doo cake for you, along with hats, plates and noisemakers. At cake time, you impressed us with your noisemaking ability as you licked frosting off your fingers and sported your new fancy jewelry from Gramma & Grampa. (photo 2)

We also have some very special people in our lives who wanted to celebrate your third birthday with you. Sahro is my mother's helper, and she just loves you. We decided to have a party one afternoon when she came over. We ate chocolate cupcakes (photo 3), and she brought you balloons and a gift - your very first board game! She is such a sweetheart, and you adore her. She's one of your favorite playmates, always willing to make up stories for you, track down just the right snack and find me whenever you need me.

My godmother, Auntie Lois, had a special tea party for us with you as the guest of honor. While we finished up the special French luncheon she had prepared, you played in the living room with your second cousins, Tina and Katie. Soon, Katie came in and whispered to her mom: "Charon found some presents hidden behind the couch, and she's opening them right now." We came out to find you holding some new Dora pajamas, just thrilled. "Put these on, Mom!" you commanded. You had a huge smile, and you wore that and your p.j.'s for the next two days. Auntie Lois finished the party with a bang by giving a puppet show performance just for you. (photo 4)

On your actual birthday, we celebrated with cinnamon rolls! After this wonderful, celebratory month, I wonder what you think August will bring? I love parties, so I won't mind if you want to play "birthday" through the rest of the summer and beyond.

Happy Birth-Month, darling daughter!

Love,
Mom