Emma Claire is officially three. It was a long weekend of celebrating with family and friends. Rowie, Opa, Auntie G, Uncle J and "Baby" George flew in last Friday for the Saturday birthday party and Sunday baptism for Arnold.
Emma Claire had been so excited about her birthday - and it finally arrived. She was a little sick for the big day, but managed to perk up for the party and had a ball. As soon as the first guest (Quinn) arrived, they wasted no time pulling out the "princess"
dress up clothes. So, Emma Claire had a few wardrobe changes over the course of the "Tinkerbell" party.
Brad was the activity coordinator. He cut out pink fairy wings and pirate hats for the boys to decorate.
Emma Claire had 3 girls and 3 boys (Addie, Quinn, Ava,
Brennan, Jonah and George). The kids played in the basement, did their craft and headed up for cake and ice cream. Brad did a rendition of "Happy Birthday" on the sax while we sang. It was a fun group and a special party.
At three, Emma Claire seems so much more grown up, Even in the past couple of weeks, I think her vocabulary and what she says has
matured significantly. The things that come out of her mouth are so funny. I wish I could remember and record all of them. Her memory is surprisingly good. It is fun to hear her recall things from a long time ago.
Emma Claire is maybe growing out of the "twos" somewhat. Less meltdowns (although, a bit more "whining" recently). She is a sweet girl. All girl. Loves princesses, fairies, dress up, high heels, being "fancy", and playing mama to her dolls and to Arnold. Her favorite colors are, naturally, pink and purple. She has a very definite opinion as to what she wants to wear and how she wants to wear it on any given day. "I want to wear a beautiful dress", whether we are going to church or to the park.
Emma Claire is fairly cautious and pretty coordinated. She continues to take gymnastics now, and I look forward to dance lessons, ice skating, etc. in the near future and seeing what she enjoys and what her talents are. Rowie described Emma Claire as "like you when you were this age - precocious." I thought that was a good description.
Emma Claire makes us laugh every day. She has lots of fun energy. She loves school, her teachers and friends, Little Gym, Ms. Cindy's class (ECFE sibling care), Grace Place and her little weekly routine. She started her first Parks and Rec activity this week - Kids Club - on Wednesday mornings. She is always a little timid with anything new like this and didn't want me to leave, but after a little while she got into it and enjoyed it. When I picked her up, she said "I want to go back this afternoon".
On her actual birthday, Emma Claire and Arnold stayed home from school for a day of fun with Rowie and Opa. Opa made heart shaped "pop-eyes" (a childhood favorite of mine) and Rowie and Emma Claire made heart shaped chocolate chip cookies with M&M's. They had a fun day.
It was fun for me to think back to the day and the moment Emma Claire was born. We are blessed with two sweet, perfect children. Couldn't imagine life without them. They make our lives better and make us happy every day.
(A BIG thanks to Whitney for taking the great photos and for capturing moments that I would have never have been able to appreciate otherwise)
Arnold was baptized last Sunday at the 8:45 am "Traditional" service at Calvary. He wore George's Christening gown. Elissa and Adrian are his sponsors (aka. godparents). Pastor Matt was the minister. Arnold was sweet and attentive during the ceremony, watching the Pastor as he spoke. All the grandparents were there, as were Elissa and the cousins (Adrian was out of town). It was a special service and event.
