The Big THREE

Since about mid-August, we have heard regularly about the upcoming "baythday." One day, I was sitting on the couch when Roxie climbed up in my lap, snuggled in and said, "OK. Now, let's talk about my baythday." It was the hot topic around here for quite a while!

Well, finally, last week was her birthday. Roxie woke up to her room filled with pink balloons that her dad and brother secretly blew up for her. Also, hanging on her dresser was a Sleeping Beauty dress which, as you can see, is "goygeous." When she saw it hanging there, she slowly walked toward it and when she finally realized what it was, she screamed, "THANK YOU!"

Later, some of her tiny friends came over and after some lovely cake, we took them to a cosmetology school where the princesses got their fingernails painted. The prince got his toenails done in a very manly blue color, but his picture isn't here because he wouldn't hold still for the camera.

After that party and dinner, she had another party for grandparents and aunts and uncles. Here, she is wearing her happy new twirly skirt her Namma made her.All in all, it was a lovely day.

For her birthday, I will list some of my favorite things about Roxie (in no particular order):

1. She is all sorts of cuteness.

2. She is funny. If you've ever read my blog or met her, you know this is very true.

3. She NEVER stops singing. It is precious. She sings the things you would expect her to sing, like "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star" or "Jesus Wants Me for a Sunbeam." She also sings you wouldn't expect, like "How Firm a Foundation" or "The Battle Hymn of the Republic" or "Go Tell it on the Mountain" or "Love Story."

4. She is a smarty pants.

5. She is cheerful the vast majority of the time. My neighbor said to her one day, "Roxie, you are just sunshine, aren't you?" And the truth is that she is. She draws people to her with her bright spirit and outgoing nature.

6. As Shan says, she is the most fun to buy gifts for because she is so grateful. You could give her a sticker and she acts like you just gave her the moon on a silver princess platter.

7. She LOVES Ashton and Christian. She stopped taking naps when she realized that they weren't sleeping, too. She could not stand the idea of them doing something without her. She wants to be with them and wants to be like them (good thing they're such good kids!) and wants to do what they do. It does a Mama's heart good to have her children love each other.

I have been so blessed with such wonderful and amazing kids and Roxie is no exception. I am so grateful for her and for the sunshine she brings to our family. Happy Birthday, Roxie!