{ajm}

Mallory turned 3 on Friday. Amazing, really that she's been lighting up our lives for three years. She wanted a Dora party. Oh yes, a Dora the Explorer party. My idea of a successful birthday party is cake and balloons, so we planned to have cupcakes and balloons at the park-built in entertainment also tops my list of good things. Basically a repeat of last year's party only with a character theme. Sadly, the rain changed our party plans a bit. Friday afternoon we decided to have the party at home and suddenly I had less than 24 hours to plan a party for 7 little people and a dozen adults.

We strung friendship bracelets like Dora wears.

We played games in our playroom-it was still raining and wet outside. The hokey pokey was ok, the parachute was ok, but the girls LOVED "jaguar, jaguar, jaguar, boots" (duck, duck, goose). They all chased each other around the circle every round and begged for another turn to be "it."

The Dora cake was a hit, yeah for butter cream frosting.

Opening presents.

And finally the Dora pinata. I love that pinatas now come with strings to pull so that no injuries are incurred opening the hanging candy box.  Lollipop and Smartie bliss!

Party is over (hence the pout) and all the friends have gone home. Another year older and party to celebrate. About 15 minutes after this picture was taken, Mallory told Nonnie it was rest time, all but put herself to bed and slept for three hours! Post-party bliss for me too!

Happy birthday little one.

Our daughter started preschool yesterday for the third time. It was dramatically different than years past. How was it different you ask? First her Daddy and I BOTH took her to "preview" the program last spring. We told her it was a fun place to go and look and learn. Ever since that morning last May, when we drive past that particular building she quotes that statement back to me. And talks about being a big girl, potty training* and playing with the other children. You should notice the lack of screaming, crying or fear of that building.

Another BIG difference, seems to be the "meet your teacher" day. Ben took her (I was basking in magic and wonder in the Bahamas) and while they did meet her teacher, they stayed together the whole time. He stayed in the room and had her touch everything in sight while they played together. This is a change from Mommy attending the parents only meeting while Mallory stayed with her teacher in the new classroom. Total time invested 30 minutes. A day or two after meet the teacher, Mallory got a postcard in the mail from her teacher. I kid you not she made us read both sides to her conservatively 900 times. 

*This program expects 3 year old to be "COMPLETELY potty trained." Their emphasis not mine!  Hence our potty training boot camp x3 this summer

Yesterday was the first day of school. She was so excited to go that sleeping Tuesday night was a problem. Wednesday morning she woke up talking about her teacher and playing with the other children. We made breakfast together and she watched me pack her lunch and snack while sampling and approving each item. When we left the house there were NO tears, or hesitation or apprehension. When we arrived at the school, I asked her to help me find her classroom. She gave me spot on directions. Through these doors, turn left then turn right and here we are (yes the right and left were correct.) No tears, no clinging to me no asking me to stay. I held my tears until I reached the car 🙂

When I returned to pick her up, she WAS NOT crying. I cannot tell you how HUGE this is. She didn't sleep long at rest time, but was seemingly quiet and didn't eat much lunch, also not surprising. But when asked if she wanted to go back next week, gave a hesitant affirmative response. WOW!!!

I am a bit hesitant to post this as it's only day one. And things may DRASTICALLY change when she discovers this will be a twice a week occurrence. But I am so pleased that she wasn't miserable all day! Thank you Lord for helping her and me through the day.

No, there are no pictures. I will take some later, maybe next week when I have a camera (mine didn't make it back from the Bahamas.) But for now neither she nor I needed the pressure of a camera.

On Sunday, my sister, mother and I went to Florida and boarded a very large boat. Specifically the Disney Wonder. We sailed to Nassau and Castaway Cay and around in circles avoiding rain showers and had a delightful time. I came home filled with a renewed desire to be a great mommy and partner/wife/best friend. I'm still processing all I learned and experienced and enjoyed. For now, I'm thrilled to be home with my husband and daughter & feeling so thankful and blessed.

I adore Brene Brown and her amazing work. Her book(s) are must reads and her blog is part of my life. When I read this from her blog tonight, I knew I had to share

Sometimes getting away is less about “leaving things behind” and more about “bringing magic home.”

I need that, the bringing magic home. I know that I am crazy blessed in so many ways and tonight I am thankful for my parents and sister and husband who are all making our "Girl's Trip 2009" happen next week. It's going to be great. To be with two amazing women who inspire me and force me to grow and gently encourage where gentleness is needed. I am so looking forward to going and all it means. And almost equally I'm looking forward to returning home with my reservoir filled and overflowing with magic and gratitude and joy to share. 

Thank you Brene!!!

Seemingly overnight my baby girl, my toddler has turned into a little girl. She isn't three yet, but following the pattern she set early on, her "birthday" seems to come early. She has grown super tall, to the tune of 1.5 inches since May, and at under 30 pounds is super slender. If only we were all so lucky 🙂 Her vocabulary has EXPLODED and she is constantly talking. That is unless there are "strangers" around, then suddenly she's mute. She is still into Little Einsteins, but their popularity has faded as Dora and Diego have taken over. She loves her book Dora and the Snow Princess. She will empty all the bookcases in the house looking for it (I needed a break and put it away for a few days.) Mallory has recently discovered how much she loves her Daddy and can't wait for him to get home. They laugh and giggle and play games I am careful not to interrupt as she hasn't always been this attached to him. She continues to adore dance class and being outside. The swing is still her very favorite park attraction and she's learned how to swing well on the belt swing.

And much to my dismay, Mallory is not a willing photography subject these days. I snapped these of her playing in the backyard Sunday after church. She came around the deck, saw the camera and promptly began screaming. Several weeks ago Ben, who thought he was being funny, taught her to say, "talk to my agent" while holding her hand up between her face and the camera. Sadly, I still can't appreciate the joke. But I shall persevere and we will continue to live in a culture of photos and remembering moments. They are so important and fleeting and bring such joy.

Thank you Father for this little one who brings such joy to our lives. May we be the parents you intend for us and a family that gives all glory to You.