Auntie from Hell

Ed's niece was celebrating her 2nd birthday and leading up to her party, we were beginning to get alittle distressed trying to think of a suitable present for this precocious toddler. Bearing in mind her love for Barney, Thomas the Train and Bob the Builder, some ideas that this clueless couple came up with:

• Useful gift: Bob the Builder school bag, pencil case and water bottle in view that she was starting play school.
• Educational gift: Some learning books which would enable her to expand her vocabulary or a story with a moral type of books.
• Fun gift: Thomas the Train set, Play Mobil or perhaps a child-sized police car, fire engine for her to play with.

Ed was of the view to get something fun while I preferred to get her something useful or minimally educational. After much deliberation, we finally decided to conduct a poll amongst friends on the best gift idea.

Post consultation, we were informed that useful AND educational were not the best ideas for a birthday gift although they could possibly be given during Christmas or some other occasion. According to a friend, my present ideas were really terrible and I was the "AUNTIE FROM HELL". *chastened sniffs*

We finally opted for the "Snuggle Bug", this cute little red car which seemed nifty enough for Emma to zoom around in.

Verdict: Emma LOVED the car. According to my mom-in-law, she has been playing with it every day since and this could possibly be her new favourite toy (next to her beloved DVDs of Barney and Bob the Builder).

Catch her in action:

Emma beaming for the camera as she cuts her Bob the Builder cake

She was so busy savouring her cake, I had to cajole her to smile for me

Honing her driving skills which included reversing, parking and honking

I think we could possibly be her new favourite uncle/auntie too in view of our astute gift buying skills. However, this cynical aunt thinks that this favourite status won't last too long. Till the next new present comes along, this snuggle bug (and wonderful uncle/auntie) is going to be sidelined.

Oh well..guess we should just enjoy this while it lasts.