those eyes

Since we recently decided to go with some friends to the beach next week, it turns out Lauren will celebrate her birthday while we're there. At this late date, and with so many other things to do, party supply shopping required swift action. I decided to order online from my favorite cheap party supply shop -- Oriental Trading. (This is where Kim would type, "I love China.")

To fulfill Lauren's wish for a puppy-themed party, I selected dog noses, dog-shaped tubs of silly putty, and bone-shaped candies. As I finished shopping, Lauren came and cuddled next to me on the couch. "Is this for my birthday?" she asked, wide-eyed.

"Yes, "I said. "What do think?"

"Oh, thank you, Mom!" She gave me a squeeze. "You're spending a lot of time on the computer for my birthday, aren't you, Mom?" She felt so special. And then, in a way only Lauren can, she said, "Mom, thank you for spending a lot of time on the computer for my birthday."

"You're welcome, sweetheart."

I had barely uttered the words when I surveyed my shipping options and realized that to get the party supplies to the beach in time for Lauren's birthday would require an extra $20 charge, more than my total purchase. No way. I've never. Plan B. And then I looked at Lauren and her always grateful, big, dark, puppy dog eyes.

The box will arrive on Tuesday.