how Liz spent her birthday

Liz had an eventful third birthday.

The day began with presents from Mommy, Daddy, and Kate.

We had pizza for lunch.

Then we went to the mall to ride the carousel.

The girls also rode in the kiddie rides.

Liz was not comforted by the lion in the passenger seat.

And, apparently, she doesn't enjoy Kate's driving either.

Our final stop at the mall was at the Cookie Company for cookies.  Liz chose an M&M cookie.

Finally, after nap and supper it was party time.  Kate was Liz's very attentive helper.

Liz managed to unwrap at least one present on her own.

Liz changed into her new Minnie Mouse costume before the girls posed by the farm animal cake.  Of course, she wanted  her new horses included in the picture too.

Then, she made a wish and blew out the candles.

3 years

 "And though she be but little, she is fierce."  

~Shakespeare

 "with brave wings she flies"

Dear Liz,

Today is your 3rd birthday!  I find myself overwhelmed and unable to put words to all the love I have for you.

You are a strong little pickle and have certainly begun to show your independence and opinions in the last year.

 You give the best hugs, wrapping your little arms around my neck and cradling your head on my shoulder.   

You are sweet and considerate.  I often see you rubbing your sister's back when she is upset.

You have a temper that does not flare up often, but when it does we all cover our ears.

Thank you for being the amazing, wonderful, mysterious you!  Each day with you is an adventure.

Happy birthday little Lizzie!

I'll love you always!

xoxoxo

happy birthday

Happy Birthday Daddy!

birthday song

I still can't believe she blew out the candles all by herself!

Look who's 2!

Happy birthday Liz!  Today you are two years old. 

You love to be held and cuddle and snuggle. You just want to be close to me. I find this so ironic because when you were an infant I was determine to “wear” you and always keep you close to me in a baby wrap.  But you never seemed comfortable or content to be so close. Now, though, it seems that all you want is to be in my arms.

You love your big sister.  You copy everything she does and try to boss her around.

You have a sparkle in your eye and it makes it so hard for me to be mad or stern with you.

You love to wear dresses and jackets. And are quite opinionated about getting dressed in the morning.

When you are happy, your face shines.  

There is nothing more beautiful than your happy face.

You also have your grumpy moments. You scream a lot! I guess this is a sign of your impatient and passionate nature. You are a girl who knows what she wants.

Watching you grow these last two years has been incredible.  

I am curious and nervous to see more of your personality develop.  

I am so thankful for you everyday.

You will always be my sweet pickle.  

Love, Mommy.

happy birthday

It was a struggle...

There was some crying and maneuvering...

But, we managed to get a decent shot.

Happy Birthday Aunt Kerry!!!

4th birthday party

Thanks for celebrating with Kate. I think she had a great day!

four

Dear Kate,

You are 4 years-old today! How did that happen? You are not supposed to grow up so fast!

I can see that this is an exciting time for you. You are learning and growing and trying new things. You had your first swimming lesson last week. You were so brave; you went into the class all by yourself and you didn't cry or cling to me (what I would have done). You loved your class. I could see you smile from ear to ear with each new skill you learned.


You are still a picky eater. you always have been and probably always will be. You don't like vegetables and only a few fruits, but you can't seem to get enough meat. Your favorites are chicken nuggets, meatballs, fish sticks, and hot dogs! Of course, you LOVE candy. I think your favorites are fruit snacks, skittles, or M&Ms. You still won't touch milk, but you love yogurt. You also like cinnamon toast and pancakes.

Lately you can paint for hours and or be equally entertained with play-doh, puzzles, or legos. And, you always want to ride your bike to the park or Holmes Lake.


I see how much you love Liz. You often try to be a big a good sister and help her. You encourage her when she gets frustrated and you invite her to play with you. You are also daddy's little helper. You love to be his assistant when he is being a handy man. You pretend to build and fix your own make believe projects.


Being your mom isn't always easy. I worry that I am not keeping you stimulated and challenged; I want to help you grow. But, being your mom is a priviledge and I am honored and humbled that you call me mommy. Thank you for being my sweet Kate. Happy birthday!

Love, Mom

Happy Birthday

Happy Birthday, daddy!
Liz couldn't resist the temptation of all that white icing!

birthday pics

A few pictures from Liz's birthday party.

She was a bit hesitant about the candle's flame.


Kate was literally climbing the walls as she waited for her cupcake.


Such a happy girl after eating her cupcake.

Happy Birthday

Happy Birthday Liz! I can't believe you are one year old today. Your first year has been exciting and trying. I am not going to sugar coat it, there were times when you were a rough baby and it seemed you would never get used to being a part of the outside world. At times I feared you would never stop crying or sleep all night. But, here we are one year later and I can honestly say having you is amazing and I can't imagine going back to our odd numbered family of 3. You are the fourth member of this family and you make us whole.

I love your demeanor. In so many ways you are the opposite of your sister. You like to eat! You savor life, enjoying each moment, discovery, and new accomplishment. You take your time and ease into life.
You just want to be held and snuggled. I hope you stay so open and loving.
You love your big sister and tolerate her abundance of emotions and bossy pants ways. You are not a push over even though you can be accommodating. You will not be overrun.

And sometimes you have a temper; you are not afraid to tell us what you want and what is on your mind.
I love your little quirks, like your obsession with eating hair, the way you walk laps around any room of the house you are in, and your love for the dustbuster, but absolute fear of the vacuum.

Happy first birthday, sweet pickle!

Love, mom

kate's birthday

Here is how Kate spent her 3rd birthday.

8:10am - breakfast

9:22am - watching Nick Jr.

11:28 am - "helping" with lunch

4:50pm - birthday cake time

5:51pm - playing with new toys

5:52pm -posing by the birthday banner