It's my daughter's birthday today.  She is three years old.  My first two are boys and I've always considered myself a boys' mom.  Even my husband said it made sense for me to have boys. (I had three brothers and no sisters--I know how boys can be!)  But I never knew how much I wanted a girl, until I had my daughter.  Life is completely different with a little girl.  Yes, she's a princess.  But, she's a princess with super powers who can fly and fight crime with the flick of her magic wand.

We, the immediate family, had a small party for her on Sunday.  Since Dave had to work today, we gave her our gifts on Sunday so Dad could enjoy her opening them. 

We walked in the door today from her "kiddie" party and suddenly my 5 year old son Zilla started to well up with tears and said, "I don't have a present for her." I said, "Oh, that's ok.  Remember, you gave her the pink lego set.  She opened it on Sunday."

(Louder, more uncontrolled sobbing)

"But, toDAY is her birthday.  And I didn't even make her anything. How could I do that?"

I tried to console him but I could see there was only one way to fix this.  I had to get him set up with some craft supplies pronto.  Lucky for Zilla, Mom has tons.

I brought him in the kitchen and within a short time frame he had made her a lovely wooden plaque with wooden appliqués all over it.  He wrapped it in tissue paper and a bag and brought it to her in the living room.

With appropriate high-pitched sing-songy voice he said, "Look what I have for you!"

She got excited and screamed, "What is it!? What is it!?"  She carefully unwrapped the tissue paper and when Zilla said, "I made it for you...." She said, "Oh it's beautiful!  I love butterflies and flowers!  Thank you!"

And the house was tear free for at least an hour or so...