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

Playdate

Yesterday, Harper had a playdate with her friend, Avery, and I had a playdate with Avery's mom, Kim. It was pretty fun for all of us. The girls were generally uncooperative when it came to picture taking. This is the best one I got.

After all the playing we did in the morning, I was certain Harper would take a monumental nap. And she did although it was on the floor instead of in her bed.

Smarter Phone

So I got a new phone for my birthday. I'm pretty sure it's smarter than I am. But, I won't hold that against it.  I like it - especially the 8 megapixel camera part.

This is the first picture I took with it. Hopefully, this marks the end of the poor quality cell phone pictures that have frequented this blog in the past.

Bun

So remember when I told you that Harper likes to pretend that she's Mary and pulls a baby Jesus out from under her shirt?

Last night, her teacher sent me this picture. Caught in the act.

Buddies

Harper and Harrison are buddies. 

You may remember this picture from last summer. It's one of my favorites and it's just dying for a caption. Any suggestions?