David and I had a really fun, really productive shopping trip today. You can't always say that about venturing into a store with a one-day-shy of three-year-old.

We went to Costume and Display for his birthday party chachkas. I remember being there with him when he was one and a half and him pulling all the balloons out of their conveniently located toddler level holders. Picture me trying to talk to the sales rep while simutlaneiously squatting on the floor and putting green and blue, and light blue or is this one actually shimmery blue, back in the correct container. I remember being there with him and Ariana on his last birthday where they fought and whined and grabbed at every shiny, gaudy toy. This time he made a quick decision about his birthday balloons, all light blue. And he didn't freak out when I explained that we were just ordering them now and would pick them up on the party day. Then he had no trouble deciding on the color of the napkins, plates, cups, and tablecloths, light blue of course. He wasn't even swayed by the Diego or Batman options. He did go for the airplane party hats, but they had a blue base. It was all so cheerful. . .and light blue.