Party Time

AC and I saw our sweet little neighbors, Mia and Elise, today. It's been way too long since we saw them last. Elise wanted to invite AC to her birthday party, so she, Mia, and their mom walked to our house this afternoon.

AC was so excited to get invited! She hugged Elise about 5 times and told her thank you. As soon as they left, AC started begging to go to Elise's party. She could not understand why I was telling her that we had to wait a few days AND that we had to buy her a present first. She wanted to go to the party TONIGHT! This is the first party she has been invited to by one of her little girlfriends. She can hardly wait!

She Likes It

She likes it. No, she loves it. Her princess tent was the most favorite toy from Santa.

For My Girl

My dearest baby girl,

Today your daddy and I attended your very first parent-teacher conference. 11:15 with Ms. Lyndi for your mid-year progress report. As we sat down at the little red table in your classroom, I couldn't quite believe that you are big enough for this (and I prayed a quick prayer that the tiny chairs wouldn't crush beneath us...Daddy's did). Ms. Lyndi opened a folder that was labeled with your name. I remember those folders from my days as the teacher. Those folders hold lots of papers that tell us special things about you, your brain, your heart, and your spirit. So when she slid the first paper across the table toward Daddy and me, I wasn't nervous at all. Because, you see, my girl, it doesn't matter what these papers say. I already know the things that make your brain, your heart, and your spirit so special. No one knows more than me.

These papers said wonderful things. It's no secret that the beginning of this journey was difficult for you. You are the baby in your class. All of your friends have turned three already and you were 2 1/2 this week. That means six months of changes and discoveries for them that are still waiting for you. There were days when this frustrated you and you didn't yet have the words to express it. The papers said just this. But this was months ago and you have grown so much. The papers said this as well. You have blossomed and are doing wonderfully in school. You are so very smart, you make wise choices, and you are incredibly loving. "She is just a joy, Sara. Truly," said Ms. Lyndi. She also said, "This girl of yours is a leader. A natural leader. When she walks in the room, she draws the other children to her like a magnet. I'm telling you now that she may very well be the first female president of this country!" My cheeks hurt from smiling. I'm just so very proud of you. I'm excited that you are thriving at school. And I know that you are headed for big things, my Monkey. Daddy and I love you more than you love Diego. And that's a lot.

For Our Family

So I was thinking. Thinking that if I had given people a big ol' gift card or wad of cash, I would be interested in seeing how they used it. Just to know that they had gotten something they really wanted. So, here you go. Here's what we got!

AC's gifts! These are just a few. Daddy and I have plans for the rest of her money. We're just spacing it all out, so she doesn't get bored too quickly.

A Princess Tent and Tunnel, a sand truck for the beach, a camera, Little People SUV and Castle, and a bike. She will see it all in the morning. I'll be sure to let you know how it all goes over.

Daddy got 2 very nice suits and a pair of shoes he has been wanting for quite some time.

Just 1 of his suits and shoes.

And I got this stuff. I've been waiting/saving for each of these for a long time, so I'm really happy that I can finally call them mine.

My loot: Face cream, phone, running shoes, and make up.

Thanks to you all for your love and generosity. I can't wait for the day to come when we can buy each other gifts again!

Little People

AC loves Little People. I would wager to say that they are her most favorite thing to play with.

Making her people stand in a straight line.

They even have names.

Left to right: Kayla, Mommy, Matilda, Brookie, Peyton, Nicky, Papa, Dominique.

When Santa finally visits her here (which will happen as soon as I make my final trip to Toys R Us), she will probably find some new and exciting Little People in her stash.

Small Songstress

Singing silly songs.

This child sings ALL the time. Constantly. Even her teacher says so. She used to just make up songs and melodies. Now she is beginning to sing recognizable tunes. A few from today's repertoire: Jesus Loves Me, Baby Love, You Are My Sunshine, Down in My Heart, Thank You God, Turkey in the Straw, Wonder Pet's theme song, and a few of her favorites from The Backyardigans. I'm pretty sure I could sing, "I'm Queen Tasha and I rule the whole backyard! Nananana!!" in my sleep (which I think she has adopted as her theme song)!

Her concert had to be stopped when she needed to blow her nose. And very dramatically, might I add.

Then the songs picked right back up while she played with her playdoh.

Never a dull moments, folks. But it's great that way.

Three Things Thursday

1) Purple jellies are fun.

2) My girl is fascinated by Diana Ross. Lord help me.
She was completely hypnotised by this video. "Baby Love" happens to be her most favorite song. She asked me to sing it to her on the way to school yesterday. Once I finished, she would clap and say, "Again!" I must have sung that song 10 times. Then she started singing it to me. Priceless. At random times, she will pretend that her name is "Baby Love." I'll say, "Anna Claire, come here." She'll say, "No, Mommy. I not Anna Claire. I Baby Love." Indeed, she is.

3) I've been thinking a lot about what I read here. Trying to make the most of this fleeting time of littleness I have with my girl.