Birthday Colds and Skipping

“It takes a long time to grow young.”

Pablo Picasso

A friend was lamenting the fact that her daughter was starting to use words correctly.  I understood exactly what she meant; Pip says ‘pupcake’ for ‘cupcake,’ and I don’t correct her.  Pupcake is too cute.  I’ll miss pupcakes when they become cupcakes.

Speaking of pupcakes, Pip turned four this past weekend.  We had big plans for her birthday; pupcakes at her pre-school on Friday, a Birthday-Shopping-Date with me on Saturday, followed by the grand finale birthday party on Sunday.  As luck would have it, Pip woke-up crying Thursday morning because her throat was on fire.  Not fair.

Not only did Pip feel miserable for her entire birthday weekend, to add insult to injury, the weather decided to be SPECTACULAR!!!  If you have to suffer through a cold, it’s a bit easier when the weather reflects your dreary state.  Rainy days are almost meant for cuddling up on the couch with a good book and a mug of chicken soup.  On the contrary, sunshiney spring weather does not make it easy for a four-year-old to rest and take plenty of fluids.

I think Pip enjoyed her birthday though.  She said as much: “Mama, even though I’m sick, this is the best birthday ever!”  It was hard to see Pip struggle with her cold, but I loved spending so much one-on-one time with her.  During our date together, we skipped.  Can you remember the last time you skipped?  We had been holding hands, walking down the main street of Courtenay, and Pip started skipping.  (She’s very proud of this newly acquired skill.)  I matched her cheerful gait, and soon we were both giggling as we skipped down mainstreet.

It wasn’t even my birthday, but I got the best present.