Three Already??

As the month of March drew closer, I kept thinking, "Bella is going to be three. How is this possible?" It seems like just yesterday this perfect little baby girl came into this world and made our family complete.
But, as time does fly, she is indeed, turning three.
Once Bella decided that she wanted a Cinderella themed birthday party, the planning began. All of the planning turned into a beautifully decorated party for Princess Bella and her guests.
More importantly, Bella felt special and was so excited about her birthday party. This is her reaction to seeing her cake.

About two weeks before the party, Bella and I "mailed" an invitation to Cinderella, so of course, Cinderella had to show up for the party.

Bella was a little star-struck before she warmed up to Cinderella. Many of the other little princess had a lot to say. Listening to their questions and comments was quite comical. They all really enjoy having Cinderella at the party. It was so much fun watching the excitement!

Once everyone began to sing the happy birthday song, Bella became a little shy and wanted Mommy. I had to blow out her candles for her. Sweet baby.
Bella had a grand time opening all of her presents. Note to self: Next year, open gifts AFTER party guests leave. :-)What a wonderful birthday celebration! Thank you so much to those of you who celebrated this special day with Bella.

It's difficult to fathom how much this sweet angel has grown over the last three years.

When I think about what I want to remember about Bella at this age, so many things come to mind. I have to say that I love her sweet hugs and kisses, her raspy little voice, and her big blue eyes. I think it's so cute when she asks, "That's okay right, Eli?" Bella loves to write and color. She does a good job writing her name and an even better job writing Eli's name. When she sleeps, she has to have the tag of her soft, pink blanket in her hand, "I want my tag, Mommy." She is quite the helper and does a great job cleaning up after herself, and others, even when she's not asked to do so. My Bella is such a little monkey; she loves to climb and jump. She has become quite the gymnast. She also loves to twirl and spin, play dress up, love on her babies, have tea parties, and be told she looks beautiful. Although at times I wish she wouldn't act so shy, I have to admit that I do adore the times when she acts shy and wants to be by my side. I love the way she asks me, "Mommy, can I lay on your belly?" when I am putting her to bed or when shes crawls into my bed in the middle of the night. Bella is a dainty little thing, just so tiny. Her size really makes me want to baby her more than I think I would if she were not so tiny. I just love it! Just recently, she learned how to swing really high all by herself. Although she can do this, I still think that when we go to the playground, she will want me to push her. I hope she does!

I so enjoy watching, and listening, to Eli and Bella play together. She has learned so much from him. Although they don't always get along, they love each other so much and can be so incredibly sweet to one another. I love the way she has started making up stories and telling me things that have happened to her babies, namely Lyla, the baby she loves most. The cutest story to date is one she told about her babies going out into the street and getting hit by a car. She said, "They died, but Jesus gave them back to me." Just precious. My sweet Bella, I cannot imagine having a more perfect little girl. My, what wonderful things we have to look forward to! Mommy and Daddy both love you more than you could ever imagine. Happy birthday, beautiful girl!

Like Father, Like Son

Eli received several "nice shirts" for Christmas. Upon opening his "nice shirts", he remarked that the shirts were like Daddy's. He seemed quite excited about this realization. This morning, he wanted to wear one of his new shirts. After he put it on, he said, "Does Daddy wear a Cardinals hat with his nice shirt?" "Yes, he does, Eli," I answered. See picture below.
When I went in to check on him, complete with dog tags, this is what he looked like...

I showed him one of Stephen's shirts and he said, "This definitely looks like Daddy's shirt." He is quite excited about them being "twins" when Stephen comes home... in LESS than ONE month!!!

The being like Daddy didn't stop there today. I had a conversation with Eli this morning about hair. He didn't want me to fix or comb his hair, and he didn't want to leave the Cardinals hat on his head. Sorry. I cannot let my children go out of the house with messy hair. That will just never happen. I told him that he had to comb his hair or wear a hat and the only way he wouldn't have to do either of those things is if we shaved all of his hair off. This image of Stephen must have popped into his head

because the next thing I heard was, "YES, Mommy!!! Shave my head. I want to look like Daddy." I told him I would but thought he wouldn't bring it up again. Wow, was I wrong. Before his nap, Eli asked me if I could shave his head when he woke up. Then, after he got up (from never taking a nap), he asked me again. So, I did it. I shaved his head! Oh my...

If he wanted to look like Daddy, he sure does now. He really likes it, and that should be what matters... at least that's what I keep telling myself. Grandma and Grandpa don't like it, Bella thinks it's funny, I like the way it feels, but it just doesn't look like my Eli. My dad has already started praying for his hair to grow back quickly. Hahahaha!!

Before bed, Eli wanted to put on his War Eagle Man costume. After he got it on, he said, I need something over my head, so I don't look like a Bald Eagle.

Move Over or You Will Fall Out of the Bed

I went into Eli's room, as I do each night before I go to bed myself, to kiss him and make sure he's covered. Tonight, I noticed that he was about to fall off of the bed. Wanting to make sure each stuffed animal and his Daddy doll have a spot on the pillow, Eli leaves no room for himself. I told him earlier that he was going to fall out of the bed, but what do I know? I had my phone in my hand and decided to snap a picture to send to Stephen. Right after this picture was taken, Eli fell right out of the bed and onto the floor.

Pockets and Belt Loops

If it can fit in a pocket, through a belt loop, or behind the belt, it's going in...



What can I say? My Eli cracks me up.