The Birthday Suit

 "In childhood, we yearn to be grown-ups. In old age, 

we yearn to be kids. It just seems that all would be wonderful 

if we didn't have to celebrate our birthdays in chronological order."

~Robert Brault

My team teacher loves making birthday cards with the children for their families. She had one child off at the table with a few kids doing various activities and as usual I was all over the preschool classroom. We have a deal, you see. If she is sitting I am standing and vise versa. This way we can get maximum coverage and strategic positioning in the classroom.

As ‘Ms. Bee’ was at the art table with the child I heard her laugh and say, “I did not tell you that.”
I then heard I child’s voice say, “Yes you did!”
As the verbal ping pong match went no where I made my way through the ‘block castles’ and the ‘slew of sick babies’ being tended to in the Dramatic Play Area.
“Hi!” I interrupted cheerfully startling them both. “How is the card coming along?” I directed the question at my team teacher.
“Fine.” Ms. B said flatly. “Take a look the picture Nya drew.
Nya is a fabulous artist. Very detailed; however, Ms. B informed me that there was a miscommunication between her and Nya. I looked at the picture and there was clearly a smiling figure.

A smiling figure; completely starkers.
“Well, what a smile!” I stammered.
“A smile?” Ms. B said, “This is going on her mother’s birthday card!” She whispered in my ear.
“Quiet. I’m thinking.” I whispered back.
“You like it?” Nya asked.
“Well of course,” I said, “You even did a belly button!”

“Well, Ms. B said to draw mommy like this.” Nya began again.
“What did Ms. B tell you?”
“Well?” She began.
“Yes?” I said.
“Ms B said it was for my mommy’s birthday.” She smiled sweetly.
“Yes?” Ms. B and I both said.
“So I drew mommy in her birthday suit.”