Happy birthday, Anna!

Our little girl is 3 years old now!  She had a great birthday weekend, full of fun with her family and friends.  It started on Friday when she went strawberry picking with Erin's class, and then we girls hit the neighborhood pool for the first time, where she loved jumping off the side of the pool.  Saturday morning, she opened her presents from us.  That afternoon was her big birthday extravaganza, complete with princess balloons, Rapunzel spaghetti, games, bounce house, princess cupcakes that Grandma A. made, and lots of fun!  She had the best time and has been talking about it constantly ever since.  Big thanks again to all who came!  The fun didn't end there, because Logan, Ansley, and Ben spent the night at our house after the party and Anna and Ansley stayed up giggling and playing for awhile.  We all went to church on Sunday, then they went home.  We played with all her new toys for awhile, and then Daddy took her and Erin to the observation park at the airport while Mommy went to Ms. Kate's baby shower.  After that, we all went to the new Tijuana Flats in Holly Springs.  Anna had a wonderful birthday weekend!

She also got to move up to the preschool room at the YMCA nursery today, and was very excited about that. They get water with their snacks since they have a lower risk of spilling, so that's a big deal.  They also have a "big kid" table for snacks and crafts and all new toys to check out.  After the Y, she had her first-ever dental appointment.  That was touch-and-go, but she really tried to be brave.  Her teeth checked out fine, and she got to cash in her bravery for a new Rapunzel doll at Target (because she just doesn't have enough new princess stuff from her party).  Tomorrow morning is her 3-year checkup at the pediatrician.  That may be a little more intimidating than the dentist, but we'll see.  At least there is less scary machinery there, but there will be more poking and prodding...but hopefully no shots.

Anna is our social, talkative, inquisitive child.  She NEVER stops talking, asking questions, and stating her opinions - solicited or not!  She is now becoming ok with going outside since the weather is warmer, but she really does not like to wear shoes anytime.  Her main interests are princesses, princesses, and sometimes more princesses.  She went through a dress-up phase over the winter where she would not leave the house unless she had a full dress-up getup, including high heels and tiara, on over her clothes.  Thankfully, that isn't required now that it's warmer!  She is feisty and does not hesitate to pick fights with Erin for no reason.  She is artistic, and got a big kick out of painting our cardboard castle for the party.  It's good that she will be going to preschool in the fall, because I just don't have the creativity to come up with a lot of art projects.  Her favorite pastimes right now include playing board games, jumping on the trampoline, baking, and playing imaginative games with her dolls.  She is potty-trained, only needing a diaper at night and at naptime (which, by the way, only happens about once a week now, much to my dismay).  I really never thought the day would come when they were both out of diapers, but my prayers have been answered!

Anyway, that's Anna in a nutshell.  She is truly a delight and is a very sweet girl (though I may be slightly biased).  She is caring and patient with Erin, but also fights with her and is notorious for stealing her stuff.  She is Mommy's little buddy during the week, and we have the best time together.  We love you, Anna!