Curiously Good Time

We're crazy for George at our house. So, when it came time to decide on a birthday theme for our little guy, we knew just what he'd like. We spent Miller's 3rd Birthday monkeying around at the Jump Zone in Roswell. Being 8 months pregnant, I can't think of a better way to celebrate my little monkey's big day than outsourcing his party at a jumpy place.


Let me just say that it was a whirlwind of a good time. Blissful chaos sums it up! Miller had a ball. He was "going bananas" with 3rd birthday energy from the moment he was set loose into all the inflatables. Since we arrived 20 minutes before guests came, he got a 20 minute head start to all the fun. Our little curious, was nice and sweaty when his guests arrived. What fun it was to party it up with his little buddies!


A big thank you goes out to Uncle Clay, who played and chased with Miller up and down the steep stairs and slides. Three cheers for a fantastic uncle. Landon and I were free to enjoy our friends while Clay was Miller's personal party assistant:)

Then it was chatting time, jumping time and as you can see below...group picture time. This was the best we could do to get everyone in the shot. Who thought of taking a picture on Spider Man anyway? When our guests on the count of three were shouting "Happy Birthday Miller" in unison, all we could see were Miller's legs as he pounced over a climbing wall with no socks on. Where did those socks disappear?

Good luck getting everyone in the shot. Candid shots are the name of the game with active little ones. If only they could sit still and smile.


As soon as pizza was announced, we had a party room full of busy preschoolers, parents and babies. We loved having both of our families in attendance to celebrate in the fun and for the help during the party. Cupcake time soon followed with a rowdy birthday chorus. Miller gladly blew out his number 3 candle. I had to pinch myself that we've celebrated 3 birthday choruses, 3 blowing out candle experiences, and 3 rounds of frosted face fun. There's just something about birthday celebrations that are so special for the parents.




After cupcake fun with sticky fingers, it was off to enjoy a second room of different inflatables. These boys cracked me up. They ended up playing with the train table while entertaining inflatables awaited them to explore. Some of the kiddos were mesmerized by the ball machine. Before we knew it, monkey cookie favors were being passed out and the kiddos were thoroughly worn out.



Miller, we loved every minute of your big day. When all of the attention has been focused on Eliza Kate, it was wonderful to enjoy all that you mean to our family. You melted our hearts when you thanked Daddy for your party. Thanks for giving us a reason to celebrate you!

Look Who's Three!

Dear Miller,
Just three years ago today, mommy and daddy met you for the very first time. In some ways, the past three years have gone by in the blink of an eye and in other ways we feel like you've been a part of our family forever. We grown together as our family of three making many memories, celebrating many milestones, and really getting into our flow with just you. Daddy and I feel so blessed that we've been able to parent you for these past three years. What a precious gift you are to us!

As our days are numbered as a family of three in these last days, I squeeze you a little longer each day. Everytime, I hold your chubby hand I try to savor what it feels like to just have your hand to tote around from place to place. Daddy calls your chubby hands "fat pads". You giggle when he wants to kiss your fat pads. I love to dote on you and tell you that you're mommy's first baby. There's just something special about your firstborn. We hope you feel special.

Everyone agrees that you are such a little busy body that can't sit still. Your work each day is playing and you tackle it head on. Nothing gets in the way of your cars, trucks, and emergency vehicles. From the moment your eyes open to the minute they close, you keep mommy on her toes. You love to talk about all your friends. You smile when you see someone new and say, "What's him's name mommy?" Daddy and I smile daily at the little things you say and the new connections you're making. You talk non-stop at home. Our hearts melt at dinner time when you clasp your hands, close your eyes, and sing "God our Father". We catch you peeking at us to make sure we're closing our eyes too! Your conversation pattern is hilarious when you say the words "Well, actually..." or confirm a statement with "yes, right mommy".

The new bible verse that you quote is, "Children obey your parents, as it is pleasing to the Lord." This verse must pop in your head when you know you're about to get into trouble because you repeat it over and over. Your curiosity and attention to detail is amazing to observe. You love routine, and get frustrated when something is unexpected. When daddy and I have a conversation, you like to join right in and repeat what we're saying. Sometimes, you even tell us to "stop talking" so you can be the center of attention.
Our once independent little man has become quite affectionate. You freely give out hugs, kisses, and even "I love yous." If you're not humming, you're singing. Some of your favorites are: You are My Sunshine, John Jacob Dingleheimer Schmidt, Softly and Tenderly, Into My Heart, Jesus is a Rock, and The Hokey Pokey.

From your first smile, first laugh, first curl, first step, first word, first sentence, we've cherished it all. We still get glimpses of your babyish side when you suck your thumb and want your blankie, but most of the time you're really looking like a big kid....a BIG brother! We just love this 3 year old stage with you little man!



Nothing makes a third birthday better than Lightening McQueen cupcakes and presents from Miss Karen & Mommy and Daddy. We can't wait to party it up with you on Saturday.

Happy, Happy 3rd Birthday!

Love,
Mommy

31 Weeks: Stay in There

While most moms are so anxious to pop their newborns out, my prayer is always "stay in there, I've got too much to do!" I almost had a panic attack this week with all the things we need to do to get ready for Miss Eliza Kate. Between full weekends from here until mid April, working half days,reunions, friend's showers, delivering meals, birthday parties, organizing Sunday School events, and all the other mom duties... I'm a bit overwhelmed. There are just not enough hours in the day to get everything done! Landon and I had a heart to heart this week goal setting and discussing how to say no sometimes. We both love to stay busy, but we've been stretched thin lately.


Eliza Kate's bedding did come in last week which leaves us seven weeks to pull this nursery off! I've been collecting accessories, but holding off to paint until I see the right shade of pink. Who knew pinks could be so tricky? My mom's been a huge help this week hunting for paint samples. I went on a wild goose chase finding a fabric store today for a pillow I'm having made. God's been teaching me true patience!

This pregnancy is flying by faster than the first. We're so thankful to be adding a sweet little girl to the family

Happy 100th, Kappa!

What a fun weekend commemorating Kappa's centennial celebration. Since 1910, 100 AdiPi pledge classes have graduated from Samford. Brittany and I journeyed over to Birmingham for the weekend to join in all the festivities. Sisters from all the decades from Samford were in attendance. It was special to witness women with gray hair reuniting with their pledge classes from way back in the 1950's and 1960's. We proudly took our seats with 18 girls from our pledge class in the 90's section:) In fact, our 1997 pledge class was proud to have the most sisters in attendance! We've always been a tight group.

We lunched together at Ross Bridge, a beautiful new resort in Birmingham. There was lots of singing, chatting & revisiting chapter history and events. We loved seeing a slide show of sisters past and present.
We had to laugh receiving eye cream in our centennial goody bags. Are we really that old? I'm sure the younger pledge classes received lip gloss instead. Terra was such a wonderful hostess for the weekend. I drank up every minute of time with her twin one year old boys.
Saturday night, Melissa hosted us over to her house for appetizers and dinner. It wasn't long before we brought out all the old step sing videos to laugh at.
I needed this weekend. Maybe, it's because I know that my independence is going to be rocked in a couple of months.
I left with a renewed since of sisterhood and a thankful heart for friendships that stand the test of time. Since Alabama just might be the monogrammed and smocked capital of the states, I also left with some fun goodies for Eliza Kate.