Maggie is Three!

Yesterday was Maggie's third birthday.

But, lest you think I am a day late with this post, you should know that today could just as legitimately be Maggie's birthday. Maggie was born at precisely 12:00 midnight, creating confusion in the operating room amongst the doctors, nurses and other hospital staff as to whether she had been actually born on the 6th or the 7th of January. Finally, in order to resolve the issue, they turned to Jeffrey and said, "What day do you want your daughter's birthday to be?" I was a bit out of it at the moment, so he made an executive decision (which in retrospect I would have made myself) and opted for the 6th, as all the birthdays in our family are on even days. So, today could actually be Maggie's birthday.

We celebrated Maggie's special day with a "Mommy and Me" tea party. Maggie and her friends decorated crowns, made necklaces and wands and painted their nails, with the help of their moms. We then enjoyed a tea party with heart shaped sandwiches and mini cupcakes. We also went out to dinner, opened presents and had cake as a family when Mia and Jeffrey got home.

So, in addition to sharing pictures of our celebration, I thought I would share three important facts everyone should know about dealing with Maggie.

1- Maggie only wears pajamas. Preferably nightgowns. Preferably with princesses on them. Sometimes she may deviate and wear dress-up clothes. Preferably dresses. Preferably fit for a princess. With great patience and effort I can usually convince Maggie to put on clothes if we are going somewhere, but the moment we walk back in the door at home, her clothes come off and pajamas go on.

In addition, she changes the pajamas and other items she is wearing about 12 times a day -- really, I am not exaggerating. Check out the varied clothing options on her birthday -- note she had to change from her princess dress to a princess nightgown half-way through her party. The dress was just too itchy!

2- Maggie loves pink. If you have a conversation with Maggie that lasts more than a few minutes it is a guarantee that she will tell you (1) that her room is pink and
(2) that pink is her favorite color. It is part of her pervasive girlishness that she loves pink and purple and princesses. Everything is better to Maggie if it is pink!

3- Maggie does things Maggie's way. It begins with what she wears, but extends to all aspects of her life. Maggie knows shat she wants and does not compromise. She will not try new foods -- noodles with cheese and tortillas with cheese, peanut butter and jelly on bread (except for on days when she only wants the jelly), bagels and yogurt comprise the bulk of her meals -- don't even try to get her to try a vegetable! She has to buckle herself into her car seat; she refuses to have her hair combed. Everything Maggie does is done on her own terms.

Lately, this principle includes the regular celebration of birthdays. If you ask Maggie to give you something or bring you something, she often will. But, first she will tell you, "No." Then, she will stop and sing, "Happy Birthday to You." When she completes the song she will award you the desired item as a "gift." With Maggie her compliance is always a gift which can be freely given only at her choosing.

While at times frustrating, I find these rules about Maggie to be most endearing. She is her own person, full of personality and love. She is smart and capable. She is learning to play games, loves to help me around the house, and adores her two sisters. She has an infectious smile and can jump up and down with excitement longer than anyone I have ever known.

Happy third birthday, Maggie!