Bling

This picture makes my heart happy. 

Feeding Ducks

Yesterday, we went to the park with our friends Emily and Barbara on a mission to feed ducks. 

It was windy. 

So windy in fact that every time Harper tried to look at the camera, the wind blew her face in an opposite direction. I mean, that has to be the explanation, right? Why would my own flesh and blood refuse to look at my camera? It just doesn't make any sense. It has to be the wind. 

When she could use me as a wind shield, she was able to look at the camera. 

She takes her duck feeding very seriously.

A Couple Things

1. These are popping up in my front yard. In February! Bring on the warmer weather. I'm ready to go to the zoo and the swimming pool for that matter!

2. My husband is pretty darn good at his job. And he looks pretty good in his uniform. Just sayin'.

3. Where are my girl scout cookies? I'm giving the little girl in my neighborhood until the end of this weekend, then I'm coming after her... But not like this. 

4. This stuff is awesome. Try it. You'll like it.

Herding Cats

I took this video at Harper's dance class last night. The girls just started learning this routine for their recital in May. Harper is the 3rd one from the left. If you lose track of her, she's the one who goes off in her own little world at the 35 second mark. They've only been working on it for about a week. I'm actually pretty impressed that a bunch of 3 and 4 year olds can work together so well.

Birthday Recap

The night before the party, Harper and Grandma assembled the goodie bags. They had quite a system. 

No birthday outfit would be complete without a tiara.

Party time!

Harper and all of her friends from school had a blast playing at The Monkey's Treehouse!

Then it was time for cake. Harper requested a ballet/princess cake. I think this fit the bill pretty well.

The kid who loves to be the center of attention was a little overwhelmed by everyone singing Happy Birthday to her.

Blowing out the candles

She informed me that this was a 3 year old bite. 

I think she liked it. 

The Day After

My least favorite day of the year used to be the day after my birthday. Now my least favorite day is definitely the day after Harper's birthday.

Not only are all of the birthday festivities over, but Grandma and Pap also went back to Florida this morning.

The only one more upset about this than I am is Harper. She thoroughly enjoyed hanging out with them. I think the feeling was mutual. 

2.20.2011

Dear Harper,

3? Really? It just can't be. Yesterday, you looked like this.

Today, this.

Slow down. I can't keep this pace up.

You've had a big year filled with lots of firsts - first trip to Disney World, first swimming lesson, first pony ride, first dance lesson.  You pack a lot into a year.

I think we can call this past year your pink period because of your love of all things pink and girly. From the tutus that you insist on wearing to school (and to bed), to the sparkley princess lip gloss that often shellacks your lips (and/or face, hands, etc), it's official. You're a girly girl.

And like any good girly girl, you have a strong connection with baby dolls. It's fun to watch you play "big sister" as you like to call it, although when you announce to people that you are the big sister, I often have some explaining to do as you are still an only child as of now. In any case, I love watching you read your babies stories and change their diapers. You are so nurturing and sweet with them. It makes me proud.

I am also proud of how quick witted you are. You have some of the best one-liners. Your expression of choice at the moment is "Actually..." as in "Actually, 3 year olds get to eat candy before they go to bed." and "Actually, the cat likes it when I pull her ears." You say it with such authority, that I'm half tempted to go along with you.

I guess I'm in shock that you're already 3 because I really can't remember life before you came along. I know I must have been doing something for those first 28 years, but it pales in comparison to the last 3. Every day is an adventure with you. You're continually pulling and stretching my heart to make it big enough to hold all of the love that I have for you. I am so proud of the young lady that you are and I can't wait to see what this next year has in store for you.
Happy Birthday!

Love,
Mom