Caroline is 3!

My first baby turned 3 in October.  What a fun celebration we had!  A pink party at the park and our favorite Jalisco's mexican dinner as a family.  

This girl is so fun.  I am loving age 3 so far - just the right mix of little girl and big girl if you know what I mean. 

She is my buddy and my helper everyday.   

A fun mix of timid/reserved and then all out spunk and personality.   

She truly has such a sweet spirit.  I see it the most in wanting to listen and obey - she is my rule follower.  Of course, she isn't perfect.  I see that sweet spirit just as much when she messes up and gets in trouble as when she follows directions perfectly or loves and shares with Annie.  It is an amazing thing to watch your child (even a 3 yr old or younger) want to do the right thing, but struggle and sometimes give into their own desires.  I am grateful the Lord gives us this picture through our kids.  I know it is what He sees us doing all the time.  It is a great way to show Caroline grace.  To correct her and love on her.  To let her know we all (especially the rule-followers) mess up.       

She loves her sister and loves to be a big sister.  At first she wanted a baby brother this go around, but nowshe wants a sister.  "Then, I will have two sisters!" she says.  We will see.  

I love seeing life through her eyes.  The innocence and simplicity is such a good and refreshing reminder.  

Her imagination constantly entertains me.  I love to peek in on her playing.  

What she loves: Monkey George (aka Curious George), spaghetti, cookies, Annie, her school and the Turtles class, any kind of tiny toy -an animal, a car, hello kitty, anything miniature really,  water and orange juice, crafts, painting, climbing, talking, The Bearenstein Bears, music/dancing, her friend, Harper, t-shirts or "comfy clothes."  

She cracks us up these days with things she says.  Mostly because she repeats phrases that adults say.

Some of my favorite quotes: 

"Let me tell you something Mommy.  This is not going to be funny."

"I am a big girl.  I am getting old."

When cooking in her kitchen for me, "You need to be very patient."

"You are so sweet to me, Mommy"  

"Boys go potty standing up, but girls go potty sitting down."

When talking to Annie:

"You are so precious, Annie"

"No ma'am, Annie"

When Annie is crying: 

"I know, Annie, I know.  We are almost home and I know you are hungry."

"Annie is getting in the cords"  Or "Annie is going up the stairs"

A couple months ago we were in the car listening to an old David Crowder song, and C said,

"God and Jesus are really sweet to me.  And God made me.  And he cares for me.  He loves us!  He loves us!"  

Some of the sweetest words I have ever heard her say.  

The things she doesn't like: loud noises (specifically the vaccum, hair dryer, or yard blower), being in trouble, blueberries and strawberries, taking risks, to be told no, Lion King and Nemo.

Caroline is kind, pleasant, flexible, and easy to be around.  

"Joy and song of happiness"  is the meaning of her name and I truly couldn't put a better description around her.  The last 3 years have been true joy for us and we cannot imagine life without her in our family.  

Happy birthday to our favorite 3 year old!  We love you!