42. a week of quality time with my babe, learning how to use the potty. amidst the challenges, we have spent countless extra hours sitting together reading lots and lots of books and lots of celebration time with chocolate chips, stickers, and dancing.

43. a special helper who likes to hand me silverware to put away, do laundry, vacuum, sweep, mop, cook, and water the garden. he's always with me and eager for a new job! what a big help! he's going to be a great big brother!

44. a wonderful birthday dinner and movie out with my husband and a babysitter who made it all possible.

45. a VERY thoughtful husband, who baked me a cake (it was amazing!) and got me a very thoughtful gift (a book i really wanted and didn't even think he knew the title or that i even wanted it) and card.

46. mike's wisdom: i said i wanted some cake for breakfast this morning but couldn't because i didn't want joshua to want cake for breakfast. then mike said, "well, if we want cake for breakfast and joshua wants cake for breakfast, what's the problem?" he had a good point. so, we all had cake. joshua thought that was a great idea!

47. a washing machine-- for all those wet undies, clothes, and rugs that are indicative of potty training.

48. rainy days for extra snuggles, pjs, and books.

49. local parks that bring together children from the community, strangers, to learn to play together and make new friends.

50. the child-like ability to make friends with anyone, without judgement.