Time Flies When You Drink It Away

At the end of the month, D. will turn three years old.

We have a lot planned. We'll be cutting his hair for the first time and, of course, three years of age marks The End of Early Intervention Services.

I can hardly believe that his third birthday is approaching. I mean, just yesterday, he was a scant three feet tall -- oh, I'm sorry, is my sarcasm showing?

Anyway. Yeah. It really is amazing. He has so much to say these days. He repeats everything we say, and we hear many multi-word phrases these days. "More juice please, Mommy," "Thank you, Mommy," "Chocolate milk!" "D. go bye-bye park?" "My bike! NOT YOUR BIKE! NO! NOOOOOOO!" It's touching, really.

So, about the haircutting thing. A lot of people are surprised to hear that we -- Mr. WG and I -- chose to keep that custom. We're not your typical religous folks, but, you know, when your kid is sick, you make a lot of deals with God. They make perfect sense when you make them, too. In your head, it really equals out. No haircut = Kid gets better. And then, later, when you've had a chance to sleep, when the taste returns to your food, you think, OK. OK. I owe God for this one. OK.

I began to imagine what the event would be like. I envisioned a party to which we'd invite the entire shul. Everyone who helped us when D. was born. Everyone who struggled with us through those first months. I would get up and make a speech, and everyone would say, "That was so beautiful, what you said."

You see where this is going? Yes, that's right. Another day that is ALL ABOUT WG.

Well. So, we moved about 11 months ago, but that was OK. I just figured we'd make a big party here, and invite everyone from the new shul. And I would get up and -- and then, Mr. WG and D. went to the Sotos conference. And Mr. WG came back and relayed something he had heard about not making such big parties for these kids, who can easily be overwhelmed.

I think a part of me always knew that was going to happen, but still.

We compromised. We're having the haircutting ceremony in the morning with the 6 of us and my parents, and most likely the Rabbi. Maybe 2 rabbis. Then, a friend will come and give D. a proper haircut so that he looks normal. Then, at 4, we'll have a big barbecue, to which I invited about 15 families. Smaller than I originally envisioned, but still quite respectable.

Should be fun.