Julia is Three
Everyone always asks, “Where does the time go?” I’ve been wondering that myself lately, cliche as it may be. How do I have the whole package deal? Husband, two kids (one who’s five!), dog, house, two cars, career… I still catch myself feeling surprised that I’m all grown up!
Julia came into our lives three years ago today. What a precious gift we were given that day and everyone who knows her would agree. She is her own little person, that’s for sure! Jose and I can see elements of ourselves in her, but altogether, she’s a completely unique individual. In some ways, she embodies contradictions: she’s tiny but with a big personality; she’s a total princess who loves having her hair done, who’s favourite colour is pink, who adores trying on clothes but you should see her wrestle with James! She’s sweet and cuddly and sometimes a little shy but boy is she independent.
We’ve had a busy day today in honour of Julia’s birthday. The morning started off with presents of course. Jose was able to sleep in and go into work late because he’d been traveling for work, and didn’t get home until after 1:00am last night. Jose and I gave Julia a vanity table to go with her Rose Petal Cottage, James picked out a Little Mermaid Barbie for her, and Sammy gave her a fairy princess puzzle. She also received a gift card for Toys R Us from my dad and Sue. She was over the moon about everything! After breakfast, we played Aggravation for a little bit, then Jose hit the road for work. The kids and I got in motion, and then followed Jose out the door an hour or so later. Our first stop was to take lunch to Jose. We ate in the car with him, and then I had to make a couple of trips back and forth from Hi Way Service to my school to drop off the water bottles that the company donated. Next was Costco. They sell movie coupons there that are a pretty good deal, and since Julia’s special event tonight is to go see Toy Story 3, I figured that was the best place to get them. The most exciting part for the kids was the trip to Toys R Us to spend Julia’s gift money. After much deliberation and fruitless searching for something to go with her vanity table (don’t even get me started!), Julia settled on a Fur Real kitty who moves and meows. Her name is Isabella, and Julia loves her. We also picked up tickets for the movie tonight, and got some gas (so exciting, I know!), and once we were home, made some cookie dough which will have to wait until tomorrow to become cookies as they have to chill, and I was not aware of that. Right now, the kids are playing (nicely for the most part), and I’m relaxing on the couch with Isabella snuggled in next to me.
One more little anecdote before we jaunt off once more. I was so proud of James yesterday while we were shopping for Julia’s birthday present. I had intended to go shopping for her on the weekend, but with the spontaneous camping trip, it didn’t happen. I didn’t think too much about it, but then Jose left on his business trip early Monday morning, and it dawned on me that I had no idea how to pull off a successful gift purchase with Julia right under my nose! I asked James to work with me on this dilemma, and he took his job so seriously! While I was looking in one row, James had Julia by the hand showing her toys in another row. Then I took a turn to watch her while I deliberated, and James picked out his gift for her. He sneaked out of the Barbie aisle with a box behind his back and a conspiratorial smile on his face. I took over hiding the box and made my final decision on a present and then James marched Julia towards the checkout in front of me while I hid two boxes behind my back. I was rather glad for a brief (very brief) moment that I am no longer my 120 pound self. Much easier to hide stuff behind a wide bottom than a skinny one. As I paid, James steered his little sister to the mini merry-go-round. I asked the cashier to double bag the boxes, and we were golden! Julia didn’t have a clue what was going on, she didn’t even ask what I was paying for! Later, James chose a birthday card for Julia all by himself, then all by himself he wrapped the present and signed the card. The ONLY help I gave was how to spell “Julia” and “love”. He knew how to spell “To” and of course, his own name. He completely wrapped the present, and it turned out better than some things I’ve wrapped as an adult! His pride in his efforts was so nice to see. He enjoyed picking out the gift and card all on his own, and that makes it so much more personal. As he was putting a sticker on the card’s envelope, he asked me what it said. When I told him it said “Fantastic” he said, “Julia is fantastic. She looks fantastic when she has her hair done.” I just about cried it was so sweet.
Well, off to Boston Pizza, then the movie vader. After that, I’m pretty sure my bed will be most welcoming!