I am 3

Me: "How old are you, Lucy?"

Lucy: "Two"

Me: "Noooo..."

Lucy: "Three !!!"

I think it will be a few more rounds of that before she twigs on to her new 'number'.

Wow, three years ago today (24 Aug) a very petite Lucy was born, weighing in at a strapping 2.6 kg (about 5 lbs 12 oz). After her tiny start she now graces the top of the growth charts. I think she is shaping up to have Dad's 6+ ft legs, unlike my 5 ft 6.5 ones.

Before her birthday she went out shopping, picking up these Bibi boots from Mesamis, a children’s boutique stocking French brands (and obviously Brazilian, as Bibi are). She was feeling pretty pleased with herself as you can tell. And a long visit to Mainly Toys. I think I had as much fun there as Lucy did, revisiting the toys of my past. So glad to see some are still around. Hey, maybe I’m not that old after all!



The house is now quiet (as quiet as it can be with a baby and a toddler) and things are back to the usual pace. Lucy was utterly spoilt, of course, with one particular present being a stand-out. My father (who has made multiple wooden keepsakes) handcrafted a bedhead for Lucy's new bed. All I wanted to have incorporated into the design was a cutout heart, as the cot I spent my first couple of years in had this feature and my sister used to smile at me through it.


As I was planning Lucy's party, I'd watched an episode of Nigel Latta's 'The Politically Incorrect Parenting Show' and he was lamenting the disappearance of simple birthday parties, and the fact that children are rewarded, by way of a goodie bag, just for turning up to a party, and that it isn't just about the birthday girl/boy anymore. When I was growing up it was ALL about the birthday boy/girl, and they were made to feel like the most special person in the room. And things were simple. Pass the parcel, lolly scrambles, etc. When did birthday parties get so darn complicated? Now if you don't have a paid performer you're probably looked upon like either a cheapo or someone who doesn't care. Well, I personally think goodie bags are a ridiculous idea. And, like my childhood, prefer simple pleasures. For Lucy's birthday I did not hire a fairy or clown or anyone professional (gasp!), and did not have any goodie bags (double gasp!!). I thought the toys and games and balloons, and muffins and cakes and assorted treats I labouriously baked over three days, would suffice. The sun shone (thankYOU Mother Nature!), and the children enthusiastically played in the sandpit, chased each other up and down the slide, rode the ride on toys and cars, and stuffed themselves silly. Modern parties can get so over the top. Kids can have just as much fun playing amongst themselves, with a few toys and sticky treats thrown in for good measure.

Best of all, Lucy enjoyed herself so much so that later that day she fell asleep sitting up.

Does anyone think modern children's parties are over the top with their professional performers and their fancy schmancy food, or is it just me? I think that degree of entertaining is more about the adult and less about the child. Or maybe I stand alone.

Anyway, dear Lucy, Happy Birthday baby. I can't wait to see what fun we have this year!
xxx