she's three

this has been the hardest birthday yet.  i'm not even sure why.  i think the middle child just has a special little spot in my heart, a spot that doesn't want these milestones to be swept away by big sister's, what shall we call it? liveliness? yes, that works.   or little brother's neediness.  she's 3.  and it happened too quick.

the jump from 2 to 3 is so significant.  more so than 1 to 2 or 3 to 4.  a lot happens in that third year of life.

she was just barely potty trained and still figuring out how to speak in sentences last year when she turned two.



and now she is all little girl.

(she slept in socks so she could have "annie hair" for her party)


she wants to be "annie" all of the time ( and rapunzel).  she "reads" out-loud while she looks at books.  she knows all of the letter sounds and is becoming a mean color-er.   she's learning how to pretend and it is absolutely hysterical when she comes to find me and ask me to play the "mean evil" in her story.

(birthday donut!)


ashton kate.  you are my gift.  

(all ready for her party!)


you are sweet and an excellent sharer.  you are (mostly) compliant.

(grandma and grandpa brought new sand!)

i can see already the way you desire for everyone to feel loved and for everyone to be happy (except your brother, you don't really care if he's mad)   

(ian hangin with his grandpa's)



i love to think of the verse we gave you when you were born.  i'm praying for your joy to be in the law of the Lord.  






that you would meditate on it day and night and that you would be like a strong tree, bearing fruit because of your dependence on Him. (psalm 1:2-3) 



(licking frosting off of her "annie" doll)



i pray for God's hand to lead us as we lead you.  



(green juice!)



i want you to feel loved and valuable and treasured by us, but i have such a strong desire for you to know how valuable you are to the One who made you and called you.  


(wardrobe change!  kayla got ash a tangled costume)

I LOVE THIS PICTURE :)

be different than avery, be kind to ian, be confident in exactly who God has created YOU to be.   


(bubble time with daddy!)



your identity is in Christ alone little miss.  and i want that to sink deep into your soul as you grow. 


(cashing in on a free kids meal and ice cream sundae at red robin!) 



(last years red robin sundae...look at that baby face)



Happy Birthday to my favorite  2  3 year old :)