Get your party on!!! We did, and we are all exhausted!

 Lucy loves birthday parties, and she is old enough that she has friends now to invite to a birthday party, so it was a must this year. She had a lot of fun picking out all of the decorations, party hats, party favors and so forth. I say she because we really did let her pick pretty much everything. The theme: Birthday party! We had Sophia the first decorations, a pin the nose on the elmo game, the party bags were  a random assortment of Strawberry shortcake and other stuff, but mostly she really liked the generic Happy Birthday stuff when we went to pick it all out. She's a pretty well-rounded girl, with no major obsessions at the moment.

 Pre-party pictures. She was gettin' pretty excited at this point, for all of the guests to arrive.

 This was my favorite part of the whole party. Molly was obsessed with baby Grace that is half her age, but weighs about the same. I really don't know why she was so captivated but it was kind of relieving. It means that maybe this baby I am currently growing will have a chance at staying alive. It's almost as though Molly was protecting Grace. 

 Bubbles, balloons, ... typical party craziness. 

 Lucy's friend Ashton. 

 Molly watching over Grace, in a potential time of danger. Or just giving her a shoulder rub, we weren't sure what was going through her head. 

 Grace, not sure she wanted the protection, but so cute anyway. 

 Mel made these ribbon sticks for me. The kids loved dancing with them. 

 James the human blind fold, for pin the nose on Elmo. 

 The crew. 

 We went to Macaroni Grill for after because Lucy wanted Mac&Cheese for dinner and we wanted something completely opposite of Mac&Cheese. We asked her what her favorite part about her birthday was... She thought only for a second and replied emphatically, "The presents!!" James and I later discussed how on your birthday, that is totally a legitimate answer. Christmas,... should probably be about something else, but your birthday, your welcome to love the presents and nothing else. 

 This is my favorite picture of all of them. It was while everyone was singing "Happy Birthday" to her. Doesn't she look genuinely happy?? Lucy is not one to seek attention but on her birthday, she deserves it, and loves it too. 

 This was another moment that surprised me. She knew to wait until the song was over to blow out the candles and then blew them out with out any instruction. I don't know why that surprised me, mostly that she is just getting bigger, older, and understanding so much more of everything around her. 

 I think everyone ate at least two cupcakes. I didn't really put a limit until Lucy started licking the frosting off of the third, and figured I guess two is enough. 

 We waited until everyone had left to give her, her big present, which was this brand new balance bike. Naturally she wasn't quite sure how to work it yet, but she was so excited anyway. She'll figure it out in no time. 

After dinner we got both the girls ready for bed in record time and this is where we end our day. It was a lot of fun, but I'm so excited to stay at home tomorrow and do nothing but enjoy the gifts and new toys and do nothing else. Thanks all those that helped out, especially James for taking one day out of a VERY busy week to make sure he was present for all of it, and Mel for everything that she did. You're a champ and a fantastic friend. And thank you Lucy for coming to our family. We needed you so much. You bless our lives everyday, and I can't believe how fast you are learning and growing. We love you. 

Happy happy birthday Lucy dear!

 We went into the hospital at 5 am February 24th, and expected to have our baby that evening. She took her time and came around 1:30 am the next morning. 

 I was so excited to have my little girl. She was healthy and beautiful and I have loved her more everyday since this one 3 years ago. 

 A few things you might know or maybe not know about Lucy: She has the kindest heart and has very tender feelings. I can not raise my voice to her or tears will flow instantly. (I'm glad of that, it's taught me quickly to not raise my voice at her or her sister).

 She loves CHEESE! In all forms.

 She loves to make messes. She has never had a problem with getting her hands dirty. In fact her messes have only gotten more creative as she has gotten older. Mixing food with her drinks, using her food as paint for the wall... the list goes on. She loves to get messy. 

 She is extremely social with kids her own age. But if you are an adult, its difficult to get two words out of her. (Although she talks all day long with us). 

 She is obsessed with cupcakes and icecream and birthday parties. 

 She LOVES LOVES LOVES nursery. 

 She knows the lyrics to so many songs but makes up even more songs on her own. 

 She has lots of bad habits that include: picking her nose, and eating it, sucking on her hair, and spitting. We have worked all of them, ... but to no avail, ... yet. 

 Her favorite clothes to wear are the many knit dresses that her mom buys her and leggings. 

 She loves her crocs. Although not the most stylish shoe, she loves that she can slip them on and off with ease. They make her feet black and gross, but the independence is worth it. 

 Lucy likes everyone to be included in everything that we are doing and worries when someone falls behind.

 Lucy loves to help me cook or bake anything. 

 Lucy loves playing in water. 

 Lucy loves to jump and will jump on anything and everything. 

 Lucy is a fantastic big sister and loves Molly so much. I wish that more people could see how much she narrates everything for her all day long. "Molly, did you see that?" Molly, we are going to the park, Molly!" "Molly, you're awake, we can go outside Molly"... all day long. 

 Lucy loves Christmas,  but doesn't know who Santa is... (mostly her parents fault for not caring). But she does know who Jesus is, and loves to celebrate His birthday. 

She once was the worlds best sleeper, but at about 2 and 2 months, she decided naps were for the dogs and has not been as great since then. But still not terrible. She just has too much interest in everything else that is going on.  

 Lucy is potty trained. 

 Give her markers, paint or anything but crayons and it will be everywhere but paper.

 She loves to hike and is fearless.

 She loves dirt. 

 She loves her stuffed animals especially her two white kitties. 

Lucy is a beautiful girl, who turns three today!!! I can hardly believe that she is that old, but I love her dearly and I am so glad she came to us. She is a very happy child and blesses us everyday. We love you LucyLu and can't wait to celebrate many birthdays to come!