birthday wishes

My 5-year-old niece and I have been having a funny little exchange over the phone regarding her birthday present. Her birthday was planned as an outdoor party, and because of rains from Hurricane Ike and the challenges of having a newborn in the house (her new little baby sister!), the date of the party was uncertain. So, it was difficult for me to plan to be there, and I tried to convey this to her on the phone.

Me: Rawan, I'm going to try to come to your birthday party, but I am not sure I can make it because you don't know exactly what day it will be.

Rawan: That's OK. If you can't come, you can just send me my present in the mail.

A practical solution. But it's not that she didn't really care either way...

Me: OK, but I'd really like to be there with you on your birthday.

Rawan: Yeah, me, too.

Me: Rawan, what would you like?

Rawan: Anything!

Me: Did you ask your mommy and daddy for anything specifically?

Rawan: No. You just get a present, and you open it, and you see what it is.

Me: OK, so you want it to be a surprise.

The follow-up conversation where we talked about the details of the present exchange after her party.

Rawan: You can just send me the present in the mail or you can bring it when you come for Eid (the Islamic holiday). But you can send itin the mail- that way I don't have to wait for it.

Giving me options, but sharing her preference.

Me: OK, tonight when I get home, I'll go online and see how long itwill take to send it to you.

Rawan: OK, but you can just go to the store, and buy it, and, and,and put it in the mail. That way you don't have to wait for it.

A pause as I think how funny she is in her subtle ways.

Rawan: But you can go tomorrow because today when you go home you maybe tired.

Me: Oh, Rawan, you are so sweet.

Rawan: Why? I didn't do anything.