THREE!

My baby's birthday is December 19th. For her first and second birthday, we were able to get away with low-key celebrations with immediate family. But this year, Audrey was old enough and had been to enough parties to know she wanted one of her own. So we had a party planned at Gymboree a week before her birthday, trying to avoid impacting everyone's busy Christmas schedules. I made a ton of cupcakes, a tiered cake and we were all so excited. And then the morning of the party it snowed four inches and the temperatures dropped dangerously low. But we prevailed. The party went on and she had a blast. Her cousin did not get to come (snow) so on Thursday, we had another little celebration at our house with family. Then today, her real birthday, we went to the train exhibit at the Missouri Botanical Garden after a berry pancake breakfast. So for her third birthday, she got three celebrations. I can tell you, it has kind of kicked my butt. I don't know how I will handle next year, but I will. She is worth everything. The sweetest kid ever. So lovey dovey. When I put her down for a nap she hugs me and squeezes my cheeks saying, "I love you so much." She received a wand and fairy wings as a birthday gift and with great gusto has been turning us into frogs, bunnies, horses, balloons, ballerinas, and Christmas trees. She winds up the wand like she is pitching in the major leagues and then stirs it around as if in a pot of molasses. Quite serious.

I can't believe she is three and starting pre-school in a few weeks. I will have five hours a week alone. I'm looking forward to that but sort of in a mental wildnerness. It is hard for me to care about much else but her, Lindsey, and family. I do care about friends and try to keep up, and I try to do things for myself when I have time. But I don't often have time. And that is ok. She only gets one childhood. We are having fun.

So operation birthday is over and I am officially finished with all Christmas preparations. Downshifting and ready for some family time and relaxation. Peace out.