The Bike

G has been BEGGING for a big kid bike ever since she hoped on her brother's bike this summer. I knew back then that she would be getting one from her aunt, uncle and cousin on her birthday. The big reveal brought huge smiles all around.

Birthday Fun

What better way to celebrate a birthday than with four of G's favorite people?

Today is the Day

Our baby is THREE today. (Some were a bit confused when I posted my last post a bit early. I was going for better early than never.) So far, we have celebrated with a play group party and muffins at school. We are going to have a whirlwind of a weekend celebrating both G's big day and Halloween. Since my birthday normally falls during spring break, I have always enjoyed an extended birthday celebration and hope she does too.

She lights up any room she enters. She is funny, loving, empathetic, intelligent and independent. We thank God every day that she came into our world. I can't help but think of those who gave up so much, who made a very selfless decision, a very difficult decision, a life-altering decision three years ago. We pray every night for the special people in Ethiopia.

On a lighter note, this past week, many of my friends posted on their blogs about both a Sesame Street video and 9 year old Willow Smith's video about brown girls loving their beautiful brown hair. We have been watching the videos often, complete with singing, hip shaking and head whipping. So have the kids...(ha ha...just seeing if you are paying attention.)

Thanks to my friend, Katie, over at Happy Girl Hair for posting a bit about them. She also put up another link to an article on NPR. Check out this NPR post. You can see the videos in both spots.

Just Five Years Ago...

we were granted membership into the coolest club. We'd heard lots of others bragging about it, but just didn't understand until that night. How could such a tiny little person, all 3 pounds 13 ounces of him, turn our world so upside down, but at the same time, make everything feel so much bigger, better and brighter than before?

His entrance was grand. His personality and charm even more so. He continues to keep us on our toes with his charming wit and ever-expanding intellect.

Happy Birthday, Beautiful B!!

Electronic Thank You Note

Dear Cousin A, Auntie Michelle & Uncle Shawn,

Thank you very much for the apron to wear in my new kitchen. I love it.

Every time I see it, I say, "Happy Birthday. Happy Birthday. Happy Birthday to me!"

Love,

G

Welcome Two

I am the first to admit that my children do not need new toys. However, we couldn't resist getting a kitchen for the big two year old because it was relatively small, we don't have any toys like it, and it had the potential power to spark lots of imaginative play. Since both kids have already spent all of their play time at home playing with the new set, I will say it was a decent investment or as we say to the kids, a "good choice".

Finding all of the excitement just too overwhelming, G takes a little rest on the stairs.

She would like all of her adoring fans to know that now that she is two, she is, "So Big."

Before school, I made them pose for a few photos. I literally had to hit myself in the head to get them to smile.

Big cheesy grin from the beautiful birthday girl.

Just a sample of the rather teenage-like attitude G loves to show off these days.

After her typical Wednesday morning in school, T and I brought cupcakes for her class.

I think you can say she either really likes the cupcake or we need to get her a fork!
Proud Mommy and the birthday girl.

All grown up

4 years ago. 7 weeks early. 3 lbs 13 ounces. 17 days in the NICU. 

1 month later...still a tiny little peanut. 

4 years later...

Pump Up the Birthday

The Big B turns 4 this coming weekend. We had a great time at play group today - an outing to Pump it Up (indoor inflatable bounce house park). 

The kids were literally silent as they watched the instructional video. Can you tell they are learning to listen and follow directions at preschool?

Mommy gets into the action on the big slide.

The two B's share a friendly game of air hockey.

Then the girls get into the action. 

Here we are - our "little" play group. 6 families. 7 olders (3-4 years old). 5 youngers (18 mo - 2 years). 2 more on the way. 

The Beautiful B. 

And yes, the shirt is true, but that is another post all by itself! 

Get this party started...

I am a big believer in "equal isn't always fair" when it comes to raising children. Just because one method works for child A doesn't mean it is the best method for child B. Well, there are a few times when this isn't the case. Case in point - the first birthday cake. Since the whole reason we have a first birthday party is to put a cake in front of the baby and stand around and watch them eat it, the cute cake seems to be a pivotal part of the celebration. We decorated B's first birthday cake. After the SEVERAL hour project was complete (John Deer Tractor Cake & sheet cake that looked like a farm), we vowed that we wouldn't be decorating any more (unless we had another child). Enter baby G. So, the birthday party approached and we set out to create another set of themed cakes. We went with the kinder, gentler jungle theme. I worked on the savanna sheet cake while Todd took the Giraffe. Mostly the savanna was dirt brown with cute plastic animals, trees and shrubs. Yes, I took the easy one. Todd is more patient, is more of a perfectionist and just better in the kitchen.  

And the best part was the fact that G was pretty delighted by the whole thing. 

Happiest Birthday Wishes

We are having the big shindig on Saturday, but wanted to make sure we marked G's actual birthday with cake (hostess cupcake) and a candle. She approached this new process as she does all new things...a bit skeptical...then makes a preliminary investigation...then shows her approval.

Despite her general skepticism of all table food, she did put a bit of cupcake into her mouth without spitting it out. 

T and I are both in awe that our baby is a year already. Despite what the blog is titled, we don't have plans to expand our family, so these milestones can be a bit bittersweet. We do know, however, that each and every year the experiences with our children get better and better. We are one very blessed family!