Ever since I became a mom, I have struggled to keep birthday gifts a secret. If I know Mara or Micah will like something, I’m just bursting with excitement–I can’t wait to see their faces when they discover their presents!
Well. I did it again.
Mara has been asking for an umbrella for probably months now. (“Umbrella” is the “u” word when we practice her letters and sounds.) And then there is Tyler, the 3-year-old boy down the street. Tyler has boots! So Mara has been asking for boots for weeks. She insists she will wear them next winter “when it snows.” (And she firmly believes, “It’s going to snow pretty soo-oon,” despite our objections.) So the “need” for boots is imminent!
Well, I was at the thrift store a few weeks back and found a Sponge Bob umbrella for 99 cents, and some size 7 pink boots for a couple bucks. Great birthday gifts! I thought. They didn’t last that long.
We had several days of rain last week, and I pulled the boots out and set them on our bed. “Go in Mommy’s room!” I urged her. “There is a present for you on the bed!”
She was delighted! We had to go straight outside, where she wanted to “go show Tyler” her new boots (unfortunately, Tyler wasn’t home). But as soon as she got outside (in the rain), she said, “I need an umbrella.” I should have seen that coming. So completely lacking self-control, I told her, “Mommy has another present for you!” and I brought out the umbrella too.
She was thrilled!
Over the next couple of rainy days, we had a couple of puddle-jumping outings–unfortunately, no pictures of the actual puddle-jumping: I had Micah and didn’t wanted to get my camera too wet.
Mara wore the boots all day–even in the house. The boots rubbed her skin raw, and the poor child ended up with a nice little scab on one of her legs!
But obviously, she enjoyed yet another birthday present! And so did I.
Beautiful pics, Becky!