“When you wake up,” I told L before her Sunday afternoon nap, “it will be time for ‘Happy to you!'” She’d been waiting all week, and she was too excited to fall asleep immediately, but eventually she drifted off.

When she awoke, it was her day.

First, lunch. In two years she’s gone from milk and mush to shrimp, an all-time favorite.

Papa held the Girl as Nana practiced with their new camera. “It was rated best in this level at this price by this place and that,” said Papa, proudly relating the story of how he got it for a song.

The guests arrived and L became the center of attention. She’s used to it, I guess: she demands it often enough, though fussing or simply asking.

“Mama, trzym,” she says. “Hold” in Polish, but L-ized. She’s not shy about asking for attention, though we we she’d ask for it like that more often.

Candles out and it was time for gifts. L had a little helper, F: the son of Polish friends we met here. He wanted to help with the candles, but L and I had practiced. She knew what she was doing.

F began by helping L with her presents; by the end, he was unwrapping them for her. A year ago, that might have been problematic: the Girl was more interested in the paper and boxes than the presents. This year, she knows what’s inside is what counts. Hopefully, it’s a lesson she’ll apply universally.

The GIrl came away with quite a haul: Tinker Bell, a couple of games, a Madeline book, a Pooh phone. It was tempting to hide some of the toys and bring them out a little later, but for now they’re all out — literally.

Of course, Nana got the sweetest present of all.

Happy to you, L. Two down, one hundred and two to go. Sto lat!