Happy 3rd Birthday, Brianna!

One bit of advice you get from 'seasoned' mothers is "don't blink, time flies by".  Addison has one more month left of kindergarten, Claire is NINE months old (time to plan her 1st birthday!), and Brianna just turned 3. When did that happen? 

Some how I managed to turn into one of those Extreme Party Planning mom's and went all out for Brianna's Strawberry Shortcake Party. I blame Pinterest. I'm still recovering from all the paper crafting and sweet treat making!!

This is the dress I made Claire. I know, out of control.

Not to toot my own horn but these were good. I even bought a pastry bag and tip and piped my own homemade frosting.

Ahhhh, it's worth it to see my baby happy!

Gotta have a sign to know where you are, right?

And a pennant banner just in case you missed the sign

Even juice boxes and water bottles need to feel cute sometimes...

and so do the forks and knives.

The dessert table, yummy!!

I was just looking for things to melt chocolate on. Rice Krispie Treats...

and pretzels. This chocolate was molded into flowers, naturally.

I oozed my craziness onto my mom and she painted the Kiddie Corn Hole game for me.

But look at the smiles....

It was worth every second.

I know I have lots left learn about being a mommy but I now feel 'seasoned' enough to say to new mommy's "don't blink, time flies by".

We're Alive!

So, all those people who told me you don't skip a beat when you add in a third kid are CRAZY. It was best described to me from a fellow parent of three, who was obviously a daddy, that said "having three kids is a complete game changer... you have to go from man to man defense to zone defense." We are busy, busy from sun up to sun down and I seem to spend most my time in the 'swagger wagon' driving here, there, and everywhere. What scares me the most is that I know it's only going to get busier as the little ones get older! Addison is doing great in Kindergarten. She has been 'Star Student' TWICE this year and learns her sight words before I have a chance to make her flash cards. What's most amazing is that she is reading. It is so awesome to watch her read books that just last year I read to her. And it's adorable to watch her read those books to Brianna. Speaking of, Brianna is doing great as well. She loves school now and has two little friends that she runs around with. Those three girls are always hugging and holding hands. Brianna is also going to be our little swimmer. She jumps in and swims underwater just like a little fish! Baby Claire is doing fabulous. She had her 9 month appt today. There is lots to love of Claire... she is 22 lbs 1 oz (90-95th percentile) and 27 1/2 inches (50th percentile). She mumbles lots of momma's & dadda's and loves to wave to everyone... usually at inappropriate times but hey, she's learning! She has turned into a great sleeper and just has the best personality. She is such a happy baby, always smiling. She is a little slow in her motor skills but she's got a lot more to move around than most! Here are some pictures of us in the pool: