2

T., I think everyone present would agree that your party rocked.

You weren't so sure at first as you watched the bouncy elephant rise to its full glory. You were clearly questioning all of your lobbying efforts.

But, you came around quickly, and the rest of the day was grand. I don't know how to describe it except to say you went into the bouncy castle a baby and emerged hours later a little girl. It was truly incredible. You were thrilled to have everyone sing to you and you blew out the candles like a pro. You smiled the whole time, played with your friends and cousins, and even took a nap after eating chocolate cake. I've seen some of the challenges that 2 will bring already, but on your big day, my girl, you rose above it all.

Still, there's one aspect of the day that's really hard for me to understand: I barely saw you. I'm sure you know this already, but we've spent just one night apart since the 3rd of May 2006. We hang out a lot. Sure, we do our own thing 4 out of 7 days, but we see a lot of each other. And more than that, when we are together, you could measure our distance in inches. What looms largest in my mind about your party is that it was your party. I can only piece together your experience of it based on photos that other folks took.

I can see you bouncing in a way that has revolutionized your sleep habits.*

And, I can see that you ate your cake, and that someone thought to stuff a napkin in your dress to keep you clean.
I know you had a good time because you still look out the back window and say "bouncy elephant," you name the people who were at your party, and every fifth word out of your mouth is "birthday," but I also know this because you didn't scream "MAMMMAAA" every 3 minutes. You were this gracious little independent being, raising the roof on the bouncer and spreading the love to all your guests.

T., you're a wonder. I'm can't wait to take on Paris with you.

*I highly recommend renting a bouncy castle as the antidote to all toddler sleep problems.