Gracie is 3!!!!!!

Talk about feeling like you are getting older. Try having (I know, some of you do!) your little "baby" turn 3 and start saying things like, "I am going to my room now!" (cue door slam...). Or, "Mommy, don't squeeze my tummy or I am going to yomit all over your clothes." Okay, so I might be guilty of squeezing her a little too hard. I cannot help it. She is turning into a little girl before our eyes, and I cannot find any way to make it slow down!!!!!!!!!!!

She turned 3 on Feb. 12th...here are some highlights and pics!

She is such a joy for us!!!!!!! It was a wonderful time with family and we are so thankful that Gracie has so many loving people in her life. Although it was kind of a 5 day spoil fest, we enjoyed every moment of it (even the inevitable breakdown around 7:00pm the night of her birthday, mainly due to present and cake overload!). Stella enjoyed the partying too, since she is bound to get some attention when everyone is around!

As I see them growing older everyday, I find myself thanking God for the blessings that they are, and usually I sneek in a little prayer asking that he slow down the growth process a little. We have told our friends that are yet to be parents to "Enjoy every moment, it goes so fast!", and this week has made me realize that this statement could not be more true. Part of me is sad at the sight of Gracie turning into Miss Independent, but the other part of me is so proud of her. I love the little girl she is becoming, and I am so overjoyed to have her as my daughter. I am thankful to her as well, for she has made me realize how important it is to slow down and enjoy the moment when it comes to Stella. I see her starting to sit up and begin moving herself around, and I truly have to hold myself back from pinning her to the ground and refusing to let her move! If I can pass off a bit of advice today, it would be to SLOW DOWN. Love them, enjoy them, and remember that when you wake up tomorrow, they will be a little different, and a little older, and the magic of yesterday is gone. Lucky for us, there is more magic ahead with the coming years and attractions! But I will always miss the way Gracie was, even just one year ago.

Happy Birthday Gracie. I love you. We love you. And most important, God loves you!!!!!!!!!

Many more birthdays for you sweetie...