Dear Ellie

The girls have a pen pal named Ellie.  She lives in New York and is the daughter of one of David's cousins.  The girls and Ellie played together a few years ago at a family gathering in New Jersey and have been sending each other pictures ever since.  Today Grace said to me: "Mama, we should make a picture for Ellie."  which is surely a great way to spend a cold Leap Day morning if you ask me.  So, the girls chose pictures and got to coloring.  And since Miss Grace is so into writting her name these days it seemed only fitting that she write her first letter to Ellie.  It's short and sweet (as you can see) and was lovely that the paper already said "Happy Saint Patrick's Day!" on it but it sure brought much pride and many smiles to its author, her mama and little sister.  And I imagine it will bring many smiles to Ellie and her family when she recieves it too! 

The Original February Birthday Girl

Today is my sister's birthday and even though I feel like every post this month has been about birthdays (mostly Em's) it's only fitting to end this month with a post dedicated to my sister.  For twenty seven years February was all hers.  She has been a believer in the birthday month probably since she was born (or at least from the time that she knew what a month was).  Her love of her birthday and celebrating it fully has always been there, and it seems to me that she has managed to pass this love on to both of her nieces, but especially this one who she shares her birthday month with. 

When I found out I was pregnant with Emma and that she was due on my sisters birthday I wondered what it would be like for my sister to share not only her beloved month with this new ltitle one but also her day. Looking back, had we known exactly who it was that would be arriving February 2008 for the 28th to have been shared would have been more than OK. In fact, I think it would have been perfect! 

Happy Birthday, dear sister and beloved aunt!  You are totes amaze!  We hope that this day is as wonderfully fabulous as you are and that this is your best year yet.  Somehow, I have a feeling it will be! XO



A Little More Birthday Fun

Dave's parents came up to celebrate Emma's birthday this past weekend.  They brought with them another curvy board ('cause really, if you have two kids you totally need two boards!) and we settled in for a wonderful weekend visit.  It was a laid back weekend, full of lots of wonderful conversation, good food and sweet memories being made.  Plans were discussed (James Taylor at Tanglewood this summer) and wisdom shared.  It was just what we needed.  And the child who really did not want to turn four?  Well, she was beyond excited to have one more cake and celebrate one more time with more family.  By the end of the weekend she was asking that her birthday never end.  Clearly, she has seen the light and is now a believer in the birthday month (taking another cue from her Aunt Kaitlyn)!  Thanks, Grandma and Grandpa for such a wonderful weekend!  We'll see you soon.  

{This Moment}

{This Moment} - A SouleMama Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see. We wish you a weekend full of magical moments!



Grace's Masterpiece

This morning Grace attended a one session drawing and painting workshop with Miss Emily.  We had to get an earlier start than we are used to but seeing how excited she was we actually had no trouble getting out of the house with time to spare today.  Dare I say, we even arrived early to the schoolhouse!  Em and I said our good-byes to our sweet artist and went on our way to have adventures of our own while Grace and the other members of the group visited the animals to get inspiration for their paintings.  As you can see from the picture above, Grace chose to paint one of the horses (named Lacey) and did quite a stellar job of it!  Now, just to find the perfect spot to display this beautiful masterpiece in!  Oh, and how I love that she puts smiley faces in the letters of her name!



Happy Fourth Birthday, Emma Faith!

Checking out the latest additions to the birthday ring.  Thanks, Grandpa!

"Mama, there's sparkles!"  (Thanks, Gramma!)

This year Em asked for a marble cake with white icing.  And raspberries, of course!

A few weeks ago we were chatting with Emma about her upcoming birthday.  She adamantaly said that she did not want a big party: "I not four, I only Emma!" and that she simply wanted: "Mama, Daddy, Grace and a cake." She stuck to this and whenever asked stated how she "not turn four, I only Emma." and so we left well enough alone and instead of a larger gathering has a simply sweet family day.  All day she was excited it was her birthday, yet she refused to admit she was four.  "I not four, I only Emma" was pretty much her motto of the day.  She and Grace waited so patiently all day for David to get home so we could have our celebration.  Finally, the moment of Daddy's arrival (with heart shaped balloons for the birthday girl) happened and the birthday celebration could begin.

Reading the card from Gramma and Grandpa while she waited for David to bring up the gift from them.

"Thanks for my new bike Gramma and Grandpa!"

And it was only after the birthday ring had been lit, presents opened, "happy birthday" sung and the cake was cut that she finally said she was four.  As we sat there eating our cake David asked:

 "Emma, are you four?"

To which she replied: "Yes, I four now!"   

It was a sweet ending to a pefect day!



Another Trip Around The Sun

I'll be back tomorrow with more details and pictures about Emma birthday celebration.  For now, we're just basking in the glow of our newly minted four year old, snuggling together and loving on each other tonight and reflecting on the events of this special day four years ago.  Time sure flies when you're having fun!  Happy Birthday, Emma Faith! XO