Birthday Bash: 1-2-3!

Our girl is turning 3 years-old this week! We had a simple but wonderful birthday party on May 3rd with family to celebrate the life of this sweet, precious child - complete with banana splits and ice cream cones, butterfly spritz cookies and all the butterfly decorations saved from last year. Perfect.

"What? Isn't this what the plates are for?"

I have been finding myself (especially with the fast approaching arrival of a new little one) watching her in awe, finding it difficult to believe how fast the time has gone and how much she has grown.

SOOO excited!

One year ago, we were concerned about a little 2 year-old who was behind in her speech, and now we have a very articulate child who doesn't. stop. talking. ever. Her creative play is enchanting and I love watching her as she plays doctor (using her hammer and wrench), fixes up everything around the house, cooks us meals and goes off to work saying "Bye, see you later!" then comes back and give us money or something she picked up at the store. I love watching her dance and sing "Let it goooooo!" with full gusto (and slightly better intonation than she used to).

I love watching her make friends and engage with other children. Zoë always wants to be where the people are. She loves being outside, climbing trees, riding her tricycle or scooter or bike, playing in the dirt.

I love watching her personality unfold. She has a strong, lively spirit and loves to direct and organize all activity around her. She's a fearless leader but also loves to imitate her heroines (namely, anything that reminds her of Elsa from Frozen, and almost any 8 to 10 year-old girl). Zoë has a beautiful, tender and caring heart. She is quick to check "Are you o.k.?" or give out hugs if someone is sad. "Don't be sad - I'm here. It's o.k." 

Serenading us with her new "guitar" (ukulele :)

There's never a dull moment, and we are so grateful to have Zoë in our lives. She is a beautiful gift from God and we look forward to another year of watching her grow and blossom even more. 

Happy Birthday, Zozo!