Number 3

Pictures from Lauren's actual birthday. This pretty shirt was sent to her by my good friend Laurie, who's mother actually made it. You cannot tell in the picture, but the number 3 is made from fuzzy, soft material- super cute. And the color and polka dots match perfectly with Lauren's tutu that she has to wear on special occasions (well, its either the tutu or Snow White Dress always).

Last night I was emotional putting my baby girl to bed, the last night I would kiss my sweet two-year-old. Jeff and Lauren didn't get it, but I was struck by it all. 3 years old!! I will never kiss that sweet two-year-old face again. Life just flies by, and when you have a child it is incredible how it changes. I love to see her grow and learn and become her own person, but I hate that it means her approaching independence. Seriously, this child is going to be an adult and live on her own one day- how can that be? I am her mother, I need to protect her from the world and kiss and hug her every day. Funny that I laughed at my own mom for having similar thoughts.....

She woke up happy, I was singing to her... and she learned "I am three years old" chorus to happy birthday. She dressed in this fabulous outfit and we brought rainbow colored (left-over frosting from the colorful butterfly cake) cupcakes to her preschool.  We has tacos for dinner at her request and she opened her gifts from us. We have a bike for her in the garage and a huge gold bow for it, but with all of the snow and sub-zero weather we opted to give her a $5 watch I had for xmas instead, along with a couple other little things. Great choice! The bike would have been sad with no where to ride it, and she is so proud of the watch. She is very conscious of our watches and even wants to buy me a new one for xmas (i dont need it).  And like the true lefty that she is, she proudly stuck out her right hand for the watch.

Anyway, we made some movies today and tons of memories- so blessed to have Lauren in our lives. 3 years ago today life changed for us, and I couldnt be more thankful.