Her First Ballet class

Yup. I let go. And so did she. And I watched excitedly, heart all throbbing in my throat as my little blonde one walked across the cold concrete floor, all shy and smirky. Turning back for my approval, my thumbs-up, my silent clapping charade and mouthing of words she didn't understand. Things like It's Okay. Go On. And I love you.



My girl did so good.




At one point, the teacher called the girls together. "Hold hands," she said, nodding down at Rylee "She's not gonna do it," I thought. And I waited. I saw the studio owner peek in the glass, anticipating what followed as much as I was. I watched as my girl stretched her arm out, grasped hands with the little to her side and

completed the circle.

And I sighed relief and took it in. And wavered between cheeks aching from smiling so much and eyes pooling with tears. I was so proud.

Through the glass, I watched her be a girl. A proud, dancing little girl.

My Girl & Her Really Fabulous Party

I could go the complete sappy, I'm-gonna-cry route where I wax on about what the day really meant--that she's three. That she's taught me so much this past year. That three years actually separates me from the moment her little self was placed in my outstretched arms and my old heart was replaced with a new one.





But I won't...because that gets it's own post. But I will tell you about her party.


Parties are my thing.









I thrive on planning them. I don't throw many these days...except when it comes to celebrating the moment they entered my world. Because I can't think of anything better to celebrate so big than a birthday. A Birth Day. The Birth of love and wonder and goodness like no other.







So, we go big. And after months of planning, when it's all unleashed, I cry.








I cry watching all the Littles arrive...watching my girl's big eyes and shy smile and realization that this is all to celebrate her life. Her day.






I cry hearing music and laughter and mamas and kids and knowing that this day celebrates not only the joy she brings to us but the joy our friends bring to her.


With no further ado...a very fabulous Princess And The Pea Party for my love, my girl, my Priss Pot, my sprite, for turning 3.

How is it possible that you've been on this Earth for almost 3 whole years?

Looking forward to tomorrow...and the next day...and the next.

because we are blessed, and every day holds new smiles.