Happy Third Birthday, Mattie!

Our Mattie just turned three years old. I am thankful and a little sad at the same time.
But more thankful. Way more.
 A little sad that the pudgy leg rolls, chubby cheeks and baby talk are fading fast.  Yet thankful that I have the privilege of raising our precious littles and watching them grow up every day.

Wednesday night, Mattie's Birthday Eve, Hugh blew up balloons, and we taped them to the ceiling in the girls' room. I was like a giddy, school-girl all over again. As we taped, I kept smiling and whispering to Hugh, "Isn't this so much fun? Oh, I just love celebrating their birthdays! We will surely miss this one day.” I am squeezing and cherishing every happy moment in raising these little darlings.

Birthday Morning & fun surprise

Birthday Eve

Minutes upon wakening, holding up three fingers

We loaded up the girls and headed to Panera to eat breakfast as a family. That’s where I got this amazing picture of the girls:

MELT 

MY HEART.

And this happy one:

We went home and opened one present before Daddy went to work. You should have seen Mattie’s face when she ripped off the wrapping paper. Priceless reaction. 

Too bad I couldn’t capture it with my cell phone.

My Little Pony Prince and Princess Wedding and Castle!

Laney was just as thrilled. Actually, Laney loved My Little Pony first
and then Mattie joined in. I knew it would be a great gift with which they both could play. 

After Hugh got of work, we met at Red Robin, which is a treat for us. We only go here for special occasions or when family comes in town.

Family picture with our big girls. 

I {HEART} family pictures!

Pic with my big girl Laney

Seems like yesterday we were in NICU crying out to God and hearts so down seeing you intubated, unable to breathe on your own, to hear your newborn cry and to take you home in my arms.

Daddy holding you for the first time since they whisked you away to NICU.
No tubes attached!! Oh happy day that was!

The first time your Mommy combed your hair. You loved it.
So did I.

 Then, by God’s AMAZING grace, did He bless us with the miracle of leaving the hospital to enjoy our new family of four. Only three years ago. 

Happy Third Birthday, precious Mattie.

I love you more than words could ever express. 

You are such a blessing, and we are thankful to the Lord for you, little Darling.

Birthday pics to come...