November in a nutshell

We could call this movie, "All about Iris" - at least her birthday.


The party date was set for November 13, but both Iris had a flu or cold bug. A few weeks later, her preschool director sent an e-mail about a "Fifth disease". Iris may have had that, but she was well enough for her party the following week. This was her party with friends, Michael, Grayson, and their families. In all there were five children 3 years and younger with six adult parents. The lunch was pizza and there was an in-house simulation of a lion dance parade through the Avenell house. The music was great with Michael's dad, Chris, playing a loud drum.
Iris really caught onto the princess theme, too, with a pink canopy above her bed to encourage her to sleep on her "big girl" twin bed. However, she has more frequently preferred sleeping on the floor over the bed. It must be a maturation thing...I hope.

Two days later on her actual birthdate, she celebrated with friends and teachers at preschool. Mom sent along mini cupcakes. She had a candle and people sang, "Happy Birthday" to her. That same evening, we packed up the car to drive to AZ where grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins were waiting to shower her with another birthday cake and presents. There was a fabulous "doll" cake, where a Barbie size doll (standing up) was placed in the center of the cake, which became her "gown"of frosting. Iris loved it!
Then, Thanksgiving came complete with pies, gingerbread house, and time playing with cousins. It was a great visit, except for a run-in with the Westie dog named Riley. Iris was quite cooperative on the long drives there and back because she slept a lot. However, she was most creative with the pen that was meant for doodling in a notebook, not on her face, legs and Barbie doll. That was accomplished after we spent nearly one hour going 10 miles on Interstate 10 in AZ. We were all glad to have made it home safe and sound. Iris was super excited, too, about the presents that we brought back with us.


Finally, on December 5th, Iris celebrated her last birthday party with a playgroup in which most of the children were born in late 2007. So, there were about 8 children gathered around a table to decorate birthday cupcakes. Once the decorations were available, the children wanted to eat them more than the cupcakes. The moms drew names, so that only one gift needed to be given to each child. This made things simple. The potluck meal was great, too, especially for the Dads that don't know each other well.

By this time, Iris knew well how to sing, "Happy Birthday to_________". And that was needed for her Auntie Ruth's birthday and for Christmas as she practiced singing for Jesus. Through the month, I believe Iris learned how to open presents well, eat cupcakes and say "Thank you" when people gave her presents.

As I reflect about the change between her 2nd and 3rd birthdays, I am in awe of her development in language, motor and attention skills. I'm also very thankful that she is healthy, growing taller, listening some of the time, and coming along with toilet training (It's been well over one year since we started!). I love her smile, laughter, her expressions that she copies from us. Mommy and Daddy will have to watch that more carefully now. It's also nice to hear when she wants me or Daddy, but at bedtime, this is what I call a "stall tactic" because crying ensues, which we need to ignore in order for her not to get used to us coming in, and for her to self-soothe. What's next?

Christmas is coming.....