Low and behold, 3 is almost... over

It seems impossible! For months now, and even up until tonight, when asked how old she is, Portia automatically replies, "three and a half." Even tonight, on the eve of her fourth birthday, she's still three and a half. We enjoyed a great 'Mommy and Portia Day' today, celebrating 'threedom' with a picnic (together with Iago) on the green and pre-bday festivities with neighborhood friends and a surprise (sadly overbaked by me) brownie heart cake. Yesterday we had birthday snack duty at her preschool; Portia alone came up with the idea to serve chocolate-covered strawberries dipped in pink sugar sprinkles. And for her birthday tomorrow she has requested a flourless chocolate cake with strawberry flowers adorning the top...



Upon completion of our terribly fun to make snack strawberries, Portia announced with glee: "Mommy, these are adorable!"



Ever the eager helper, Hugo went wild for the leftover chocolate







Post picnic, chatting away in the car on our way back home, Portia spots the Yale Whale, where we enjoyed hockey games last year and says, "That's where we saw the Gold Gates play the Yales!" Referring to the Colgate vs Yale game. (Kay, you'll be pleased to know that Hugo is an avid Colgate supporter and is mysteriously forever devastated by a Yale victory) A moment of horror follows, "Mama! That dude didn't have a helmet on!" Referring to a helmetless cyclist zooming past. She's really not three anymore. So mature, kind, perceptive .... and more than anything pure joy to be around.

Gotta get cracking on the cake. Gourmet Magazine's flourless chocolate almond cake - a true winner every time. I am just surprised it trumped Ashley's ice cream cake for my little girl.

Tomorrow we'll celebrate not only Portia's 4th but also the first month of school!