Three!

Today is your official third birthday. Yesterday we had a ginormous party at a local bounce establishment. You had so much fun, I cannot even begin to describe your excitement and enjoyment over the entire day and days leading up to the party. For being freshly three, you are quite the social creature. You appreciate a good party and always seem to know how to have a good time. I feel so honored to be your mom. You are so very loved by so many. Sometimes I am in awe of how easily you make friends. How readily you love. How open your heart is. In your mind, there is always room for more.

Nora, your pure elation and joy was worth the stress of having a party. The planning, invites, food, favors and general logistics. The up-to-2am pink princess castle cake baking and decorating. The gasp on Saturday morning when you opened the fridge and saw it for the first time was absolutely priceless. The way you cheered and ran up to hug as family and friends arrived at your party was adorable to watch. The way you squealed with delight over each bounce adventure and gift. The way your face glowed with gratitude and awe as we sung happy birthday. It was worth it. I would do it all again in a heartbeat.

But yet, today, your actual birthday was the exact opposite of yesterday. No party, no family and friends, no hoopla, no big celebration. We chilled out in the living room all afternoon together. Sometimes we played or painted together. Sometimes we just sat near each other and did our own thing. We munched on party leftovers... like the 50lbs of cake! We went to Panera for breakfast. We Skyped with Janice and Ed for almost 2 hours!! Wowzers! We had a dinner picnic on the back deck and then 6pm church and then 7pm frozen custard at the Cow . But in short, we really didn't do anything spectacular or overly exciting for your "real" day of birth. And you know what? I would have done it all again in a heartbeat.

It was wonderful and joyous celebrating with all our family and friends and having a blast at a big party. We all enjoyed it, even Lu! But we also enjoyed our mellow day too. Parties are great fun and definite perk with an overly-social three year old but it feels comforting to know that 'just us' is also satisfyingly fun (and whole lot cheaper too!).

In the three years (and forty weeks) since I've known you, I am constantly trying to remind myself that you haven't been around forever. You weren't always in my life...but it sure feels that way. You always have been, always will.



Becca and Nick did face painting for your guests!



Four boxes of cake mix, four cans of frosting, three princesses, four chocolate covered cones and whole lotta love and sprinkles!!!



The family, plus Ashley. Who is close enough to family to be included.

As if you didn't get enough presents, Daddy bought you an authentic Dora backpack with map. You're in love.

Crazy bouncing kid.

You picked out that party dress from the store, all on your own.

I made those chocolate covered pretzels again! YUM!

Parachute games!

Space Balls face paint + sugar = a very giddy Daddy



A birthday party wouldn't be complete without a creepy Nonni picture!
 Lu's face is priceless.



What more do you need on your birthday than your sister and best friend to celebrate with you?

And just so you know today didn't pass without us recognizing it is your birthday! That's what the hamburger card (and real hamburgers) are for!


Happy 3rd Birthday NVJ! What a ride it's been and it certainly isn't slowing down anytime soon! In fact, I think I see some hills and twists and turns up ahead. Here we go!!!!