Happy Birthday Sweet Baby Girls!

It's hard to believe it's been 3 years! Three whole years! It seems just like yesterday, I was waddling around, holding my ginormous belly, and sweating non stop. Miserable. I would do it all over again and again - just to experience the joy and happiness you guys have brought to us.

Me at 27 weeks, just 2 weeks before I was put on bed rest.

Bringing you guys home from the hospital was a milestone. We had been there over a week and struggled to get you guys out of the NICU. You were healthy but oh so tiny. So itty bitty. It's amazing to look at you now and remember those first weeks.

My sweetest Jillian, you are such a sweet soul. You have the sweetest sing-song voice I have ever heard. Your hugs and kisses can change a bad mood instantly! I love to snuggle with you. You love to run. In fact, you never stop. You love to strap on your cape and run through the house yelling, "TO THE RESCUE!" You are by far, the most daring child I have ever known. There isn't a rock, fence, or jungle gym that you won't climb. This is difficult for me to watch because you inherited my clumsiness. You LOVE all sorts of animals. You were the first to jump in and feed the goats at Deanna Rose. You are kind and gentle. You have such a wild imagination. You love to play pretend - whether you are calling Aunt Suzie on your barbie phone or giving Mickey Mouse a bath at bathtime. Your Woody doll is a constant companion. You have all sorts of conversations with him. You would eat peanut butter and jelly for every meal if I let you. You aren't big on veggies or trying new foods, but you do love salad and tomatoes! You are hilarious and silly. I love you to infinity and beyond!

My sweetest Katelyn, you are such a bright star. You are a leader and love to take charge of every situation. You get the bossiness from me. :) You love to be the life of the party. Your favorite thing is to dress up and pretend to be a princess. The look on your face while seeing your reflection in the mirror is priceless. You exclaim, "Ohhhhh, I am so beautiful!" while holding your hands out to the side and doing twirls. Yes, my love you are indeed beautiful! You love to shop and look at clothes (God help me). If you see a dress you like, you scream "OHHHH MOMMY! IT'S BEAUTIFUL! I LUB IT!" You love your sister with a passion. If we separate you guys, you immediately become upset. You love your barbies, playing dollhouse, putting on makeup, playing ponies, wearing dresses, and loving on Bailey. That poor dog is so patient and secretly loves to play dress up! You love your daddy with a passion and will follow him anywhere. You love vegetables, even broccoli. You have no problem trying new foods. You are very aware of the house rules and are quick to let me know when Jill breaks one. I love you to pieces!

From the mouths of babes

Earlier tonight the kids were in the basement watching Jason play guitar hero. I called downstairs, "Jillian, it's bath time. Come on upstairs." She replied, "Ohhh mom, but I am still rocking." AWESOME!

Then just a few moments ago I said, "Jillian, are you ready to go to bed?" She replied, "Oh, no thanks mommy." She was polite after all. :)

I can't quite quote Kate today. She stumped me when she yelled out the Sh*t word when listening to Boom Boom Pow in the car. Note to self: begin downloading the censored songs. Oh and if the song says "kick it" - toddlers will literally kick it. Yes, they will sit in their carseats and kick my seat. Good Times!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMELIA ALLEN!

How sweet it is to be 3!

Kate, Jill, and Amelia playing rescue the mermaid.

FREEZE DANCE!

Get down with your bad self Jill! So sorry you inherited my mad dancing skills.

Heather and her daughter Amelia S. dancing

Jody and Amelia on the big slide

Another beautiful day at the arboretum

Hi, my name is Jeannene Shaw and I have flower envy. Yes, I have flower envy. You see, I can't grow many things. I tend to either over water or dry out plants and flowers. It's a difficult balance with nature. I just can't get a grip on it. At. All. Now gardening vegetables is a different story. You should see the 14 inch zucchini we grew this year. GINORMOUS! But flowers are a different beast. A very different beast. That is why on beautiful days, you will find me wandering the arboretum with my camera and my screaming kids. Good times!

Oh Katie you have eyes as blue as the sky!

Sweet Jillian, your smile is more radiant than the sun!

Hey sweeties, you think you could smile for me? Please??? Yep, that's *not* what I was expecting.