Happy Birthday to Me because Now I Am 3!

Mommy and Daddy cannot believe that it has been three years since they brought little ol' me into this world to become the center of their lives. I, however, can believe it, and quite frankly, it feels like I have been running this house for way longer than that seeing as I am pretty good at it already. As Mommy says, their lives did not truly begin until they first held me, for you cannot understand unconditional love until you feel the love for your own child. I mean, just look how cute I was; although, I still think that I am pretty darn adorable.

To celebrate the big 0-3, Mommy planned a fun-filled day with my bestest friends down at Imagine It! The Children's Museum of Atlanta. We had a blast! I wanted everything princess-themed, or more specifically Belle-themed, from Beauty and the Beast, but I suppose any Disney princess is okay in my book. Mommy always swore that she would never do anything Disney princess-themed, but alas, she has been overruled by my desires. In the weeks leading up to the big party, I picked out a princess cupcake cake that featured Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, and, of course, Belle. Then Mom and I got princess hats, with a special one just for me, princess noise makers, princess plates, princess decorations, and pink everything else. We decided not to make princess goody bags since I don't think the boys would have been too thrilled, so we kept them more Halloween-fun-themed. The princess theme worked out perfectly with the museum, for they are currently running a fairy tale exhibit called "Once Upon a Time: Exploring the World of Fairy Tales", so I got to climb Jack's beanstalk and help the elves make shoes and try on Cinderella's dress and stir a witch's cauldron and run from the Big Bad Wolf and so much more. I was super excited that Lucas, Madden, Parker, Grayson, Tyler, Selina, Kylie, Lyla, Ella, my beautiful cousin Harper, Haley, and Cameron, as well as all of my local family and friends' families could join me in the fun. Not only did we have a blast fishing, painting, shopping, building, sliding, and running around the museum, but we also got to color, put our hand prints on a birthday sign for me, eat lunch, scarf down cupcakes, do the limbo, and act a little crazy inside the party room. The limbo was a little confusing; Parker practically touched the floor with her head to make it under the pole, and Tyler just ran head first into it. I even got to put my hand prints on the Wall of Birthday Fame since I was the birthday girl. I really wanted to change the birthday song to "Happy Birthday to you / Happy Birthday to you / Olivia, I love you" but I settled for the traditional birthday song. I think that everyone had a great time, for I know that I did; I think that this was my best birthday yet! Unfortunately, we don't have the videos from my big day because silly Daddy laid our video camera down in the museum, and someone took it; there are some cruel people in this world. I know that you are crying on the inside from not being able to see the beyond exciting footage; try to compose yourself. We definitely have to make sure to get a new one before my first ballet recital in December; that is for sure! After the big celebration, Dad, Mom, and I joined the Aunts, Grandma, and Harper for lunch. Harper got her first taste of lemonade, which was pretty funny, and we got to watch her defiantly throw food on the floor while watching her Mommy say, "No, no!" I get a kick out of her newfound attitude. During lunch, I got to open a couple of my gifts and play with Harper. Then Aunt Mal came home with me to help tear into the rest of my great presents. Just so you know, I have the best friends and family ever, and I got the coolest presents. Thank you, everyone, for making my big, party day a huge success!

My birthday extravaganza didn't end with just one day of fun either; the party continued throughout the entire week and culminated on my actual birthday with a school celebration and birthday dinner. My real birthday started with a special birthday breakfast that included all of my favorites: Lucky Charms, croissant, chocolate muffin, strawberries, and peaches, complete with a candle for making a morning wish. Since my actual birthday was on a school day, Mom baked special princess cupcakes with sparkly icing, crowns, and pearls - and we all know that she does NOT bake - to take to school, along with party hats and noise makers. I feel that it is an impossibility to have a true birthday without hats and noise makers, but beyond the hats and noise makers, my best birthday surprise was definitely Daddy! He took half of the day off from work and came to my school party to help celebrate. Besides the cupcakes, which were a huge hit, Daddy was the highlight of the party. All of the boys in my class and I chased him around the room for at least 30 minutes and beat him up with our noise makers. It was so funny! There are only two other girls in my class, and they read while we ran; they aren't the rough and tumble type, like moi. Things did get a little out of control when my youngest classmate tackled me, and Daddy had to pull him off; Daddy is a bit overprotective when it comes to the boys, but he has good reason to be. It isn't a true party until the birthday girl gets tackled though. Mommy read us a couple of books in an attempt to calm us down, but the sugar rush was in full force. I am pretty sure that at least half of the kids went home with icing up their noses, but that just means that it was a good celebration. Ms. Kila gave me a cool, birthday girl sticker that I wore for the rest of the day, and when we got home, there was a present in my book bag! Thank you, Ms. Kila, for the sweet Humpty Dumpty book and for letting us have a crazy celebration.

After my crazy school party and a quick nap, Mom and I headed over to Lucas' house so that he could give me a birthday surprise, Pez, and I could give him a big kiss, for a birthday is just not complete without a best friend kiss, given or received. As we left Lucas', there was even a special birthday rainbow in the sky just for me. Aunt Mal and Grandma then headed up for my annual birthday dinner at Red Robin. I like Red Robin on my birthday because they give you a balloon and a huge ice cream sundae to celebrate. Before heading to dinner, I got to open all of my gifts from Mom and Dad, as well as the gifts that came in the mail from all of my wonderful grandparents! Mom and Dad hooked me up with a car mat and cars, wooden 'paper' dolls, a new tea set since my last one got broken in the room move, and the Lion King, about which I was beyond excited. I think that I have watched it at least 5 or 6 times since my birthday, and I always insist on being Scar when Daddy and I play. From all of my sweet grandparents, I got costumes and princess gear and a tractor and clothes and a roll-over dog and my reading chair for my girl room, as well as a couple of very generous contributions to my savings account. Thank you soooooo much, Grandma Purnell, Gramma Eileen, Grandpa Purnell, Granddad Kendig, and Grandma Trish! Mom was afraid that I wasn't going to have anything to open on my actual big day, but you all made sure to not let that happen. I am one lucky girl! Aunt Mal and Grandma quickly helped me test out all of my new goodies before heading out to eat. Dinner was super fun too! Grandma played at the table with me and took me to the bathroom about 5 times to dance to the bathroom music; only a Grandma will indulge you in such bathroom antics. Everyone took pictures with me, and although I wouldn't pose with Aunt Mal at first, I got jealous when she posed with Little Piggy, so I jumped right up in her lap. Then all of the servers came out and sang to me! However, I barely even took notice of them, for the ice cream sundae was far too enticing! Ice cream or singing...hmmm...that is not a hard one to which you allot your attention. I love my birthday! I talked about it for at least a month prior, and I am pretty sure that I will be talking about it for months to come. Thank you to every family member and friend who made turning 3 so very special.

To prove how cool I truly am, I even got my first international birthday card this year from London. That's right; I got peeps all over the world! Thank you, Domi and Andy, for my sweet birthday card and birthday treat. I shall spend it wisely.

Three definitely changes a girl, ya know! For example, now that I am three, I don't need anyone to help me peel my bananas; like I told Mom the day after my birthday, "I can open my banana now because I'm three", and by golly, I did. I also no longer think Mom is cool at all, and I give her a piece of my mind, as well as a finger wag, at least 10 times a day. I've been watching what I say to her a little more closely though, for if I yell, "No!" or talk back to her anymore, I will get soap in my mouth, and I am terrified of that punishment. Three also means that I have been given more responsibility around the house, especially when it comes to helping get myself ready in the morning and cleaning up my room. Three means that I am way more grown up than two; that is for sure!

Speaking of way more grown up, with the arrival of my third birthday came the completion of my big girl room. It is beautiful...and yellow, just like I requested. My big girl room has my very own comfy, full-sized bed, which has caused a bit of trouble when it comes to going to bed and getting up in the middle of the night, but we are working through those issues. I have gotten a bit sneaky about it too; the other day during nap, Mommy heard voices in my room, and as soon as she put the monitor to her ear and realized that I had turned on my radio, the monitor clicked off. That's right; I figured out that it is a good idea to turn off the monitor when I am doing something I am not supposed to be doing. I did turn it back on before the end of nap though. Sometimes, I am too smart for my own good. Now, I am allowed to lay in bed and talk to my stuffed animals for as long as I like when I first lay down, but I may not get out of bed, and in the morning, I have to check to make sure that the sun is up before I may leave my room. So many rules come along with being a big girl. That being said, at least I haven't fallen out of my big bed. My new room has lots of birds, my own bookshelf, my kitchen with my name over it, and a huge tree with birds on the wall behind my bed. There are tons of things with which to play and with which to get into in my new room, so I don't mind being in there at all. I guess there goes the threat of being sent to my room when I am bad. I love my big girl room...and my big bed! It is now time to get Ethan's room all ready for his arrival; surprisingly, I had no problem giving my baby room and some of my baby stuff to my little bro. I really can't wait until he gets here, and I keep telling Mom and Dad that "he is sooo sweet". Three and a big sister, life is definitely getting exciting!

My birthday week was awesome, and I am now under the impression that my birthday should and will happen once a month from here on out. Happy Birthday to Me!

Since I had such a great birthday, four days later I helped Daddy give Mommy the best birthday too. This is the year of the 3's. Daddy turned 33 in May; I just turned 3 on October 13th, and Mommy turned the big 30 on October 17th! Our family is so in sync! Daddy and Aunt Mallory threw Mom a birthday dinner party with lots of Mommy's good friends in downtown Roswell while I spent the weekend painting pumpkins and making cookies with Cameron at Grandma's house. Cameron even spent the whole night at Grandma's house with me! Grandma wore me out and totally indulged me, like always! Even after a decent night's sleep and a 2-hour nap the next day, I still couldn't keep my eyes open, and I had a 30-minute, Exorcist-style fit for no apparent reason beyond sheer exhaustion and the desire to go back to Grandma's house. Anyways, Mommy's birthday celebration almost went awry when one of her good friends got sick and had to go to the hospital the day of the party, and then the restaurant where they had a private room for the party booked burnt down and didn't even let Mommy and Daddy know! Thankfully, Aunt Mallory, Daddy, Table & Main, Pastis, and lots of great friends, with a little help from Mommy, saved the day, and Mommy and her friends ended up having a really nice evening. A couple of days later, Daddy and I made Mommy's actual birthday day perfect! Daddy surprised us and came home early so that Mommy could go shopping, meander around Barnes and Noble, and then get her nails done. Then Daddy and I gave Mommy her presents before taking her to one of her favorite restaurants, Vinny's, for dinner; I even sat nicely through almost the entire meal; although, I am still not sure as to why the guy outside took our car. Then Grandma, Aunt Steph, Aunt Mal, and Ms. Sharon took Mom to No. 246 in Dectaur for another birthday dinner and a little shopping; her birthday just kept going and going. Mom really did have the best day, and I know that she is so very thankful to have Daddy, me, and Baby Ethan to make her 30s the best decade yet!

Here is to all of the Libras out there; we hope you had as perfect of a birthday as Mommy and me! Let the rest of October and the Halloween festivities roll on!

Plie through Septembre

Since my first viewing of Despicable Me, I have wanted nothing more than to go to dance class, more specifically, ballet class. After months of wearing a tutu around the house and practicing my own ballet moves, all of my dreams have finally come true: I took my tutu to a real ballet class. I started at a trial class with Parker, and it didn't take Mom but a couple of minutes to realize that it is my destiny to be a ballerina, at least for a couple of years. I was really disappointed when, at the end of class, I didn't recieve a slip of paper, which was just the payment schedule, like the other girls who were officially enrolled; I didn't stop talking about that slip of paper all week. By the following Monday, I had my official ballet outfit, and I was enrolled in Ms. Hannah's ballet class at Cumming Dance Academy, Inc. I immediately jumped in, listened to the teacher, and did all of the moves. I was actually the only one to perfect the toes-pointed jump, and I have even secured my spot in the center of the front row. Plus, I left class with my slip of paper, so I must be official. I love ballet! I look forward to class every Monday! I have real ballet shoes, and I am bound and determined to grow enough hair to have a real ballerina bun by our December performance; it looks like that haircut is going to have to wait. The last week in September was Parents' Day to get June costume measurements, so Mom was able to sit in the studio and get some good pictures and a few videos of my moves. I am a very enthusiastic ballerina; I even add my own dramatic facial expression to our "yucky toes" move. While the girl behind me reminds Ms. Hannah to play the correct songs, - yes, someone else is as bossy as I - I make sure that all of the other girls stand on their appropriated marks. We have got to look good for the performance, ladies! Parker is loving class as well, and we always insist on being right next to each other. Some of my new ballet moves include: plie, pretty toes/yucky toes, echappe and closed foot, 1st position, and our toes window, which opens and closes with the weather; I am making sure to get all of the moves down perfectly. I am even getting pretty good at balancing on my toes with only the occasional stumble. Don't look so surprised; I knew there was coordination hidden in me somewhere. Plus, I've been walking on my toes since I started walking; that is how I still typically get around, so I'm a natural. I can't wait to perform on the stage; I've been dutifully practicing on the fireplace so as to be completly prepared when it is showtime. I must say a very big "Thank You!" to God mom Kate and Grandma for helping to make my ballerina dreams come true!

Not only did I start ballet in the month of September, but I also attended my first day of preschool! Although the parents were thoroughly warned about fits and tears on the first day, I jumped right out of the car and into the awaiting stranger's arms to be whisked away to the land of education...otherwise known as the land of cookies and playground time. Little Piggy went with me for the first week, but now, he waits in the cup holder in the car each day until I get out of preschool; he doesn't cry because "he knows I always come back". I also got to take my awesome polka dot backpack on the first day before I was issued my special preschool bag. Mom promised that I will get to carry my real backpack in kindergarten. I really like my teachers Ms. Kila and Ms. Cindy; although, I am a bit sad that Lucas, Tyler, and Madden are all in the other classroom. I do get to see them on the playground, during sanctuary time, and in music class though. I am by far the oldest in my class, as well as the most vocal. I am trying to get these other kids to start talking so that I can have some real conversations. Also, I am the only one in my class who is potty-trained, so that has presented a few challenges, as well as an accident or two duing the first couple of weeks. Mom talked to Ms. Kila about asking me if I have to go throughout the day; since no one else stops to go during class, I get thrown off a bit. However, I'm pretty sure that I have left the potty-problems in the past. I have made one really good friend, Adrienne, whom I talk about when Mom picks me up each day. Come to find out, Adrienne is the class biter, and she may get kicked out of preschool if she doesn't stop. I know how to pick my friends; if you are friends with the bully, you don't get bitten. Sounds like a good plan to me. I have also mentioned Colton and Mitch quite frequently, so I'm making friends; even if, they are the strong, silent type. Preschool is pretty cool; I get to make lots of art projects, go to music class, spend a little time in the sanctuary, and meet my boys on the playground everyday. We've already had a spirit day, a red day, and a farm day, so there is never a lag in the excitement. Maybe, next year I will get to go more than 2 days a week...and ride on a school bus; the bus is the only missing piece to fulfill the school fantasy - well, that and classmates who actually talk. All in all, I really like school so far!

Birthday season continued in the month of September with a super special birthday: Harper's First Birthday! I cannot believe it has already been a year! I headed down to Little 5 Points to help my beautiful cousin celebrate on her big day. I gave her lots of love to start her birthday off just right, and I had a blast running around Mrs. Sharon's front yard. Harper definitely enjoyed the festivities; although, she wasn't overly excited about her cupcake, and she did start to crash while opening presents. Not to worry, I enjoyed her cupcakes, and she got her second wind as soon as present opening was done. She and I made sure to try out as many gifts as we could, and we even had our own little dance party before playing well into the evening and putting on our matching pj's. It was an awesome birthday, Harper; thanks for letting me help you celebrate. Happy First Birthday, Harper True; I love you soooo much!

I also got to celebrate Madden's Birthday at Gymboree. Lucas and I were so excited to lead our friends in all of the Gymboree activities that we have learned over the years, and Mom and Dad decided that I am not a dress girl. I think everyone within a 10-mile radius knows what color underwear I had on that day. I try to listen to Mom's pleas to act like a lady, but let's just face it, I am not a lady! I did get to practice my flying squirrel skills and hang with all of my favorite friends, plus some new ones; I think that even the newest members of our little group, Lyla and Ella, had a great time. Plus, Madden has excellent taste, seeing as his theme was Cars, the movie. Happy 3rd Birthday, Madden!

In between the demand for my presence at birthday parties, I stay grounded by having an all-important, occasional lunch and ice cream day with the extended fam, who, in this case, included Grandma, Aunt Steph, and my partner in crime, Harper. A kiss and a little booty shaking with cousin Harper keeps me going even in the busiest of months.

The signs of fall are upon us:

We made a trip up to Burt's Pumpkin Patch before the crowds started to descend on the farm in October. Mom showed me pictures from the farm taken when I was a baby, so I was beyond excited to get my picture taken on top of every pumpkin possible. I kept saying, "Mom, take my picture, take my picture!" Dad and I picked out the perfect colossal pumpkin, as well as a couple of regular pumpkins and two mini-pumpkins, which I specifically chose for Ethan and me. He can appreciate a pumpkin from Mom's belly. Speaking of Mommy's belly, it got a little love in the middle of the pumpkin patch from yours truly; I am never too busy to give my brother a kiss or two. The pumpkins weren't the only attraction on the farm; I got to play on a huge, John Deere tractor - eat your heart out, Lucas. Then I caught a ride on the pumpkin wheelbarrow, enjoyed the silly singing pumpkins while on the hay ride, and tried some homemade apple pie. The weather was perfect and cool, and I must say that I had a fantastic fall time! The drive was definitely worth it! Plus, our giant pumpkin looks awesome in the front yard! I wonder if I can get Daddy to carve it up with me... Halloween, I am ready for you!

College Football is always a definite sign of the changing seasons. Although I do have to be careful to support Georgia Tech for Daddy and Georgia for Mommy, I did get to concentrate on just the Bulldogs for one day when we had a little Georgia Game Day Party at the Goldsworthy's. The Dads enjoyed the football while Tyler, Lucas, Parker, Grayson, and I enjoyed the food, cupcakes, and trampoline. We totally know how to have a college football party! Ms. Allison kept us entertained as well; she can always make me laugh. Unfortunately, the game did end in disappointment, but the five of us made sure to keep the party alive until we began to drop, one by one. Go Bulldogs...Go Jackets! I already feel an identity crisis looming.

Dad and I celebrated the changing weather with some kite flying at Fowler Park on one of the first breezy days of the season...

Then we spent the evening playing horsey, one of my new, favorite, evening games, along with tag and hide and seek, at which I totally cheat.

Mom and Dad are also beginning to see the craziness of the approaching defiant, trying, horrible (call it whatever you want) 3's - forget the terrible 2's, for they were nothin' compared to the impending 3's. I admit that my days have included a bit of hitting, kicking, "No" yelling, finger wagging, tantrum throwing, and other obstinate behaviors recently, but did you really think I stood a chance of being easygoing and of not having an attitude given the parents from which I come. My attitude is mostly directed towards Mom since I spend most of my time with her and she is usually the one telling me what to do, but I've gotten under Dad's skin a couple of times too. Unfortunately, my unwavering attitude has led to a couple of spankings. I don't want to dwell on these moments, so I will just share one 'Almost Terrible 3 Quote of the Month', but trust me, there are many more from where this came:

Amidst a battle in the bathroom -

Mom: "Olivia, don't talk to me that way; I am your mother!"

Me: "Don't talk to ME that way; I am your daughter!"

Mom didn't know whether to be impressed that I figured the daughter part out or be really mad about the extra sass. I like to keep her on her toes. I am constantly asking her, "I making you mad? I making you nervous? I making you tired?" Also, it must be said that every meal is a battle nowadays; the rents bribe, beg, threaten, and anything else they can think of to get me to eat. I'm about the be 3, and I can still wear 18-month pants. Harper and I can practically share clothes! However, I never have any problems choking down dessert.

Throughout the month of September, we have been working on my big girl room! "[I'm] a movin' on up" to across the hall... Our preparations included a few trips to Home Depot, during which I chose yellow, of course, for my new room color. I even helped Dad paint the entire room after carefully strategizing our plan of attack. Really, I stayed in the room and painted for almost 2 hours straight. I kept telling Dad, "I'm a really good helper", and he agreed. I also assisted Mom, by talking constantly, while she installed my wall decal, which ended up taking 7 hours to complete! I am obligated to say that I absolutely love my tree and birds decal. Then I helped Dad put together my new bookshelf and tried out my big girl, reading corner chair that Grandma and Aunt Steph got me for my birthday. The room is coming along nicely, and I cannot wait to move in the week I turn three! Of course, I keep reminding Mom that I want to take ALL of my stuff with me. My move will allow us to start preparing my old room for its very special, new occupant...

Baby Ethan Update:

Week 21

Week 22

Week 23

Week 24

As my new room gets closer to completion, my old closet slowly acquires more and more items to turn my baby room into a baby brother room. It has been decided that owls shall be the theme of Ethan's nursery, and as a tribute, I have decided to be an owl for Halloween...perhaps, he shall have an owl picture of me on his wall - hmmmm. I am even letting Ethan keep some of my old baby toys and stuffed animals, as well as a plethora of books that I personally pulled from my collection to fill his shelves. Just the other day, I pulled some of my prized sleep buddies from my bed and declared, "Baby Ethan can sleep with these toys", but I also added, "I need to keep these" as I gathered up the others. I am willing to share, but he can't have it all. It is going to be crazy to see my old room made up for a boy, but I definitely like the owls, and I am definitely over the moon about my baby brother!

This month also marked the start of the third trimester for Mommy, and she is starting to get a bit uncomfortable, as well as pretty exhausted; I probably don't help that second part, but she loves me anyways. In the beginning of September, Mom had a day of really bad cramps, so bad that she had to call the doctor on a Sunday, and they were concerned that it could be preterm labor. The doctor instructed her to take it really easy, lay down for a bit, and then take a bath to soothe the cramps. I felt badly for Mommy, so while she was in the bath, I pulled up my stool, brought in a pile of my favorite books, and read to Mommy to make her feel better while she soaked. See, "I am a sweet girl". Thankfully, the cramps did go away, and all is well and good. I'm taking care of Mom and making sure that Baby Ethan stays in there until January and gets here healthy. I have been telling everyone who will listen that "I have a baby brother; he coming after Christmas, in Jan-u-wary". I also have decided that I want to buy something for Ethan EVERYWHERE we go. I insisted on getting him socks at Target, and I tried to talk Mom into buying him a little container of Cheerios at the maternity store because "babies really like Cheerios". Hey, I know all about babies!

The countdown is on: 14 weeks to go as of September 28th! So excited!