Happy 3rd Birthday, Caroline!

Thank you, Pinterest, for the awesome cake idea!

My precious Caroline,

You truly are "sweet Caroline," just like the Neil Diamond song.  Everyone who knows you and meets you feels the same way we do.  You are happy, eager to please, and always have a quick smile.

You are definitely a little girl!  You love ballerinas and babies.  You snuggle with your dolls and are such a little mama to them.  Daddy and I love hearing you play with your babies.  You have a kind and caring spirit that is easily apparent to others. 

I love that all of the dinosaurs have their own bowls!

You began school this year and had no problem with it.  I always get great reports about how you sit and listen during circle time and do what you should during center time.  I love seeing your budding friendship with the other children in your class, especially with Emma, your best buddy since birth. 

You are also now a BIG SISTER!  You are so sweet with baby Elizabeth, always wanting to hold her and watch out for her.  You like to touch her hair and always ask if you can.  I love that you are so gentle and cautious with your baby sister.  You have not shown many signs of jealousy, for which we are so thankful! 


proud big sister!

As you turn three, I know from past experience that this can be a big transition year.  I pray that you would develop self-confidence while still maintaining your sweet, loving spirit. I pray that your friendships with the other girls in your circle would be encouraging and not discouraging.  My prayer for your life is that you would find your confidence in Christ, not in what others may say or do; that your friendships may be edifying; and that your heart may be pure.

I love you, sweet Caroline!  Happy 3rd birthday!
 

Daddy Daughter Dance

Last night Ryan took Caroline to a Daddy Daughter dance at the Y.  I figured with the new baby and it almost being her 3rd birthday, Caroline could use something special.  She was excited to have some alone time with Daddy, but I think one of her favorite parts was riding "Daddy's Car."  (That is quite the luxury around here!)

 

Caroline got all gussied up in her Christmas dress and finally put on her "church" shoes even though she wasn't going to church.  She even let me brush her hair and put a headband in it.  That is usually not as easy as it sounds, but I guess she wanted to look good for her date.  As she left out the front door with Ryan, all I could think was that, in a few years (okay, maybe more than a few, but time will fly I'm sure), she'll be headed out the door on a date with a boy who is not her daddy. 

 

*sniff, sniff*

 

Here are a few pictures to enjoy while I collect myself...

 

Daddy and his date

getting down/wondering why Daddy was taking a picture of her

enjoying lots of chocolate

coloring a picture

 

When Ryan brought her home she had partied her little self to sleep.  She became my regular almost-three-year-old again and was ready for bed.  Ryan said she was maybe a little too young for the dance, but I know she had a great time just hanging out with him.