3

Baby girl #3 has arrived... I can't begin to describe the wonderful. She is perfect and beautiful and lovely. I'm loving the time I have to spend getting to know her. This was easily the hardest labor I've ever had, but I also appreciate this 'after' so much more. I guess that is a pretty decent trade, considering I have a forever of 'after' and the labor was only temporary...

more on her birth story in a bit, but for now... feast your eyes...

4

Today, my oldest turns 4. This one feels especially significant for me, and the only reason I can think to explain it is that my 4th birthday is the first one I really remember. There's a sense within me as a parent that if I know I have memories, clear specific memories, going back to that age, then my kiddo can too. And that reflects on the intentionality in my parenting. Not that I'm not already intentional, just that... I hope I'm not screwing up too much.

But enough about me...

a few pictures of my beautiful girl...

Happy Birthday!

This past Monday was my oldest's 3rd birthday!

We celebrated on Saturday (and Sunday and Monday) with a party at a farm (complete with Carousel ride, train ride, presnts, cupcakes, petting zoo, and an animatronic singing pig).

The next day, husband's family came by with presents.

Monday was a great day w/ a trip for the family to have donuts,

some toy shopping at walmart (what else do you do at 8 in the am in my small town) getting manicures,

bringing lunch to dad, mommy-kiddo lunch tradition at McDonald's,

and home for some movie time.

Dinner was at Johnny Carinos where we had a very big ice cream sundae. A good long weekend for a very happy, beautiful, smart, and fun 3 year old!