She's 3!

Gwen turned 3 on May 2nd!For some reason, this picture is just so her to me. Goofy and sweet.

She is growing into such a wonderful little girl, so independent, smart, silly, and observant. Her latest favorite things include dancing and singing, going to the park and on picnics, the color orange, riding her new tricycle, playing with Sonja, taking care of her babies, talking on the phone, playing with water and building with blocks. I just love the age that she is at right now where she is noticing everything, experiencing new things, learning so much and asking questions. I love showing her new things and experiencing things all over again through her. It always amazes me how much she understands about the world around her. I love that we can have conversations now about what is going on and the things that come out of her mouth sometimes are just so funny and insightful. And of course right now I can't think of anything she says as an example. It is also fun to see her interacting with other kids and especially ones that she doesn't know when we are at the park. As we have begun getting outside again (finally!) she has really shown a huge interest in playing with anyone she can (even if she is just following them around and not really talking to them) and it is so cute to watch her approach another child and shyly (she even twirls her hair like my sister Elsa did when she was little!) ask them what their name is...it makes her seem so grown up to me. Aaaahhh! I'm starting to see a glimpse into this new side of being a parent where I am no longer able to have a bubble of protection around her, but I need to let her be out in the world, learning and making mistakes, even something as simple as learning how to ask someone their name and realizing you need to speak loud enough and clear enough so they hear you. Its so hard already even in these simple interactions, not to want to get in there and do it for her (obviously, she still needs a little help!) but I know she is learning all these little things and it is so much better for her to try on her own sometimes. In my extremely limited experience so far, it seems like that will be one of the hardest thing about parenting...letting go, trusting that you have instilled good values and confidence in your children and letting them make their own mistakes. Anyway, I'm rambling...

We had a fun (and long!) day on her birthday. Since it was a Saturday we were able to do a lot of things. She had been wanting to go to the zoo with Daddy and ride the train and carousel so we decided to invite some friends along too. It turned out to be a gorgeous day and perfect zoo weather. We had brought some cookies to share with everyone and after we sang Happy Birthday everyone cheered and Gwen started crying! We are seeing this whole new side of her that does not like to be the center of attention. Maybe she is sick of it :) We made it home and attempted naps which of course didn't happen and then we had a little family dinner and party. By the time we got to the cake, Gwen ended up crying the whole time we sang to her and then wouldn't blow out her candles, the combination of being tired and the center of attention was not good! Overall it was a fun day. Here are some pictures of course...

The kiddos at the zoo...

Gwen and Caleb both ran for the caboose of the train and LOVED it! Gwen had one of the biggest smiles I have ever seen on her face the entire time.

Watching Gwen open presents.

I didn't get many pictures at her birthday dinner and none of her with her cake or blowing out her candles since she was crying that whole time! Oh well. She had fun with the family and really got some great presents that she is excited about. Thanks everyone!
I did get some pictures of her riding her new tricycle (purchased at our church rummage sale and tuned up, thanks Dad!). Before we brought the bike downstairs to ride it up and down the sidewalk, Gwen would ride it everywhere she needed to go in the house. "I need to go to the potty, oh, I'll ride my trike" "I need to go to the kitchen and get a snack, Oh, I'll ride my trike" "I need to go to bed, Oh, I'll ride my trike there." You get the picture :)