I can't believe just 3 short years ago Sassy Pants made her debute in our family! Cara Noelle, I don't even know where to begin with you :) From the day you were born we have been so in love with you! Everyone says you look just like your daddy, but have your mommy's stubborness-I'm not sure what to say about that! It must be a good thing, though! Yes, you have always stood up for what you believed in (even when you were days old and the only thing that would make you happy was nursing - ouch!) and often will not back down until you get what you want. This used to really bother me, but the older you get the more I realize this could be a really good trait. I can see you 10 years from now when you've hit those teenage years and your peers are pressuring you, you will be the first one to tell them off (but I can also see you 15 years from now being the life of the party dancing with one hand in the air (holding your red solo cup) just like you do almost nightly in our kitchen). Although we call you Sassy Pants and you can be very stubborn you also have the sweetest side to you. You certainly are my cuddle bug, you are the first to bless someone when they sneeze, you are constantly throwing out "I yuv you" (although since getting tubes put in your ears on July 2nd your Ls are really coming along. It's not a true "L" sound yet, but close!) to Daddy, Buggy Bugs (as you like to call her) and me, and you are a great helper! You are Brynn's best and favorite playmate. The two of you can play for hours on end. It melts my heart listening and watching the two of you play together. My hope is that you will always treasure each other as much as you do right now. Your favorite things include your Lovie (you are obsessed with it-I have learned not to threaten to take your Lovie away when you are not listening or being naughty as you will panic and hyperventilate), your "stories" (books on CD-you can listen to books for up to an hour and a half without interruption-the teacher in me couldn't be more proud), doll house, and oatmeal (heaven forbid we run out in the morning-we've learned to be well stocked in oatmeal). One thing that drives me nuts and makes be giggle all at the same time is when I ask you to do something simple like pick up your toys, go potty, or head upstairs and get pajamas on your most common response is, "But I don't know how to _______." with a sad look on your face. Makes me giggle just thinking about it! You know numbers 1-10, can count to 29, and can recognize the letters in your name and the B in Buggy's name. Cara Noelle, we love you bunches and bunches and millions and millions! We don't know what we'd do without you in our family. Happy 3rd Birthday, Beanie Bop!
You were the first one up on her birthday and I heard her say, "Oh, wow (super airy like)!" as you opened your door and found the decorations. Instead of oatmeal for breakfast you asked for cake with frosting, sprinkles, and candles. It took a little convincing to have you wait until after dinner for your cake. Thank goodness I hadn't purchased the sprinkles yet! You started the morning off reading a book with Buggy while Daddy and I packed lunches for our 3rd annual trip to the Como Zoo for your birthday.
Although you were amazed with the 3 balloons hung on your door, I was a little disappointed because I thought I had more ribbon than I did...at 11 o'clock at night. Next year it will be better!
Best buds waiting for Como Zoo to open.
You were just tall enough to go on these swings. Good thing because you loved every minute of it!
Kind of sad, but we spent way more time going on rides at the zoo than looking at the animals :( We'll have to make another stop this summer just to check out the animals.
Unlike last year, you loved every minute of every ride.
We stopped for a few minutes to watch a juggler and ended up getting sucked in and watching his whole show. At one point he asked for volunteers and sweet little Brynn was chosen! He commented that she wasn't nervous about being on stage and she stated it was because she is in dance and dances on stage. At that point he asked her to do the dance. She did...and sang the song too! Man, she's cute!
Ta-da! Brynn balancing 3 spinning balls!
Picnic lunch with the three loves of my life!
We saved the Frog Jumper for last. We all know it's the best ride out there!
The "fraffs."
Upon arriving home Cara opened her gifts.
One gift was a hair styling kit. The girls had to try them out immediately. You also received a big pool for our backyard, new swimsuit and dress, and a miniature Ariel doll for the tub so Buggy doesn't have to share her's with you-per Brynn's request.
After gift opening we had one of your favorite meals: steak, garlic bread, salad, and strawberries. Then it was finally time to have cake!
Happy, happy birthday to the best 3 year old in the whole, wide world!
