Guess what today is, Flapper.

"Hmm... let me think... Is it National French Fry Day?"

That's a pretty good guess, Flapper. But today is your 3rd Birthday. You're 3-years-old today. And that means it's time to look back and tell the story of your life.

"Hey, everybody be quiet! Mom's going to tell my life story because it's my birthday!"

"Okay, I'm ready."

Three years ago, I had just bought a house with a yard and decided I needed a little slugger to be my yard buddy. So I visited a local feed store and found you, Flapper. You were the cutest little super buddy around, and a real charmer.

You grew very fast and were soon the biggest ducky around. But you needed a friend.

You fell in love with my slippers, but my slippers didn't feel the same way, so we set out to find you a ducky girlfriend.

You and your new girl Georgie got along really well, once she realized you were the only boy on the block.

You still found time to love my shoes, though.

Eventually you and Georgie settled down and had a family.

They grew up to be big, beautiful kids. But a year later, your two girls passed away.

"I still miss them sometimes."
Me too, Flapper. Me too.

You and your son Kozmo Kirby are best friends now, and you're always there for him.

In your first year, you came to work with me sometimes.

You visited Lake Washington.

And even hit the McDonald's drive-thru for french fries.

"Those were good times."

Since then, you've gotten yourself into a few messes.

And even a few jams.

Quite a few jams, actually.

But no matter what happens, Flapper, I'm always around to help you out.

"Thanks, Mom."

"Now do I get a Birthday treat?"

You sure do, Flapper. I made you a Birthday Cake of peas.

"Yay! Happy Birthday to me!"

"Oooh... soo... tasty."

"I think I'm going to like being three."

"And I'll always love your shoes."

Happy 3rd Birthday, my sweet boy. And many, many more.

Flapper and family would like to say hello to Saturnin and Dominique, our friends in France.

Flapper & family would like to wish baby Olive all the best in her new home. She came into the PAWS.org wildlife center when someone mistook her for a wild duck. But she's domestic, so she could not be released to the wild.

Olive is doing great in her new home now, and is growing like a weed! Her new human sent this very cute photo of Olive hanging out in the park on vacation. Best of luck, baby Olive! We hope to see another photo of you when you're all grown up.

The Duck Rescue Network (in conjunction with Carolina Waterfowl and several sponsors) is hosting a weekend conference in August for people interested in waterfowl rescue and rehabilitation. Visit duckrescuenetwork.org for more information.