...is the first one that both of your kids sing "Happy Birthday To You" for you.  I don't know when or how the Ladybug learned it (considering she pretty much just says "no" and "up"), but it was the cutest thing ever.  She seems to do that, though:  she really likes to imitate songs as soon as she hears them.  As for Baby Duck, she has known the song long enough to start experimenting with the octave-jump mid-song and other upper-level maneuvers.  Hysterical!  
    If anyone is waiting for resolution to the birthday shopping story:  I was right.  She had a strong singular focus... and it was on blue.  Specifically, blue slippers.  I admit my slippers are currently a bit ragged, but I really only wear them when it's cold, so she hasn't even seen them in months!  Also, most people who know me would say that if I had a favorite color it would be bright pink (like my hair used to be).  I am a fan of blue, but mostly for E.  He has fantastically blue eyes, so it is an obvious wardrobe color choice to bring them out.  So the point is, I have no idea how she got the idea I wanted blue slippers for my birthday!  Luckily they were unable to locate said housebound footwear and therefore could not procure them for me.  Don't get me wrong, I would have loved whatever they had chosen for me because they were so thoughtful in choosing.  But I'd be lying if I didn't say that I am slightly more fond of what they ended up bringing home for me:  an iPod.  I am not normally an electronics follower--  I tend to figure that, for the price, new technology is going to come out in three days and make me regret my purchase anyway.  But the mp3 player has hung around for long enough to guarantee my ability to load it up with virtually any song I have ever heard, so I've been wanting one.  I think the best part was when E explained why he chose this particular item.  Since I have been having a difficult time keeping my spirits up at work while spending large amounts of time on my cleaning duties that many others gloss over and bolt, he decided to help me out by getting me some headphones to put on while I get motivated/zone out and just knock the work out without dwelling on how quick others are to cut and run.  That was really thoughtful.  The kind of thoughtful that guys aren't exactly known for.  I don't know if I was able to really express to him how much that meant to me-- especially when I put them on while I opened at work the next morning.
    I have been kind of "thumbs-down" toward birthdays (mine, at least) pretty much since I became of legal age to go where I want and do what I want.  Seriously, though, having Baby Duck make homemade construction paper cards that say "Hape Brthda" make me wish that every day was my Brthda.  My family really made me feel appreciated, special and loved.  Nice job, folks.  Nice job, indeed.

CL