3 Years Young

Dear Madeline Grace,

Someone wise once said, "The days are long but the years are short." Today you turn 3 years old. In some ways, I feel like you were just born yesterday and the past 3 years have flown by but in other ways, it is hard to imagine our life and family without you. I think back on that February 23rd when you were born or really starting on the 22nd. I woke up that morning knowing something was different and called the doctor. They had me come into the office and monitor me and we made phone calls to DeeDee to have her drive up to Charlotte for your big arrival. But after spending some time at the doctor, they felt like they were false contractions and it could be awhile before you came so I went home and DeeDee turned around on 85 and headed back to Atlanta. 

But you little one knew better and I woke up at 1:30am and knew it was time, I stood out of bed and my water immediately broke. More calls and the doctor said come in, DeeDee hopped back in the car and we called our bestie next door neighbor to come and sleep at our house with Ella until DeeDee could arrive. We arrived at the hospital, got a room and thought we would settle in for a long day of labor but you were not ok. Your heart rate was through the roof and every time Mommy had a contraction, you wanted out but it wasn't time yet. We tried everything to calm you but you were trying to tell us, you need to come out so after some tears from mommy, we were rushed into surgery for a c-section. 

Just like your sister, we didn't know if you were a boy or a girl but little one, I knew all along you were a girl. I don't know how I knew, your pregnancy was completely different from your sister's but I just knew. After some scary minutes, you were born and although your heart rate was high and you had a temperature (They think you had a virus), you were completely healthy and the cutest thing ever. Your daddy and I couldn't believe your full head of brown hair. It took your sister 2 years to grow any hair so seeing yours caught us all off guard. But that should have been my first indication that you were nothing like your big sister. You might be the same gender but you were going to be your own child.

Day One in hospital

As a newborn and baby, there was no happier or sweeter baby in the world. You were so easy and so laid back. You barely cried and when you did, it was such a quiet and sweet cry. You had a much tougher time sleeping through the night than your sister did but you were such a happy girl when you were awake that it was ok. You found your thumb at 4 months and began sleeping 12-13 hours a night and still do! Mommy and Daddy hope this never changes! You always went with the flow, letting whoever hold you, never having stranger anxiety and smiling and laughing all the time. Mommy may have said if I could guarantee more babies just like do, I would have 10 more! Boy, were you about to prove me wrong soon!

First birthday party - Hungry caterpillar theme

 Then somewhere around 18-20 months, you discovered your own voice and feistiness and you used every bit of it. The sweet little baby that would just sit on a blanket and play with books and blocks and not make a fuss, started throwing temper tantrums all the time. One minute, you would be so happy and then something would make you mad and bam, full on screaming fest wherever we were. Around 2, we pretty much stopped eating out all together unless it was chick-fila, you are just not so fun to take out.

2 year old birthday - Love and hearts theme

 However, around summertime this year, things started improving and while everyday is not prefect, you started acting a little better and we could resume some normal activities. 

Your verbal skills are off the charts for a 3 year old and you can tell us exactly what you think, which is sometimes great and sometimes not so great. 

But I have to say the thing that we love most about you and the thing that most people comment on is your infectious outgoing personality. You have never met a stranger and love to make people laugh. You are a natural comedian and have us laughing all day long. You have so much energy from the moment you wake up. 

You adore your big sister and want to know where Ella is and what she is doing every minute. She is so patient with you and seeing you all actually playing together really melts my heart. My hope for you and Ella more than anything else is that you both stay healthy and you always stay close as sisters. 

You also love going to preschool! You go three days a week and would go everyday if you could but Mommy knows how quickly that time passes with your big sister heading to kindergarten in a few short months so I am holding onto you, my baby, as long as I can. 

This year, one of Mommy's friends lost her sweet 3 year old daughter to leukemia and that really shifted my mindset with you. Yes, some days I yell and some days you go to timeout (a lot) but overall, I am trying to not sweat the small stuff as much and just really cherish you and your sister more. It is easy to lose my patience with your stubborn and feisty ways but look at the pigtail smile, how could I stay mad at that face for long. I have two healthy girls and I am forever grateful for that. 

Maddie Grace, your Daddy, big sister and I love you so much! Happy 3rd birthday!!

Preschool class picture

3 year old stats:

**School: 3 days with Ms Aly and Ms Anne (They call you mini teacher)

**Favorite Food: Spinach and Mozzarella Ravioli

**Still nap 2-3 hours a day and sleep 12 hours at night (Thank you!)

**Still sleep in your crib and I may keep you in there forever!

**No lovie but you sleep with 5 blankets and your thumb is still your favorite lovie

**You ask for daddy every morning when I wake you up and you can't wait until he gets home from work each day

**You adore your baby dolls and carry them with you everywhere

**Favorite character is Minnie Mouse

**Favorite show: Daniel Tiger

Funny things you say: "Of course" when we ask you a question that would have a yes answer, cracks me up, you call granola bars "nola barre", one of your besties in your classes is Hattie and you know her name and how to pronounce but you call her Patty to be funny.

**Favorite song: Anything Taylor Swift

**You hate candy and only eat candy or desserts if they have chocolate in them, are you my daughter???

**You are still tiny for a 3 year old but don't know exact stats until your well visit in a couple weeks but still wearing all 2T clothes and the one of the shortest in your class despite being the oldest. I think people can't believe how much you speak when they meet you because they think you are much younger than you are.

**You were potty trained in October after a failed attempt in June but now you are doing great with it

Birthday Fun

Let's be honest, having a birthday in January is a real bummer. Everyone has just celebrated Christmas and is kind of over celebrating. We have all eaten too much and now on a diet and spent too much money. Not to mention, it is freezing cold! But oh well, every year, it always falls in January (imagine that!) and we try the make the most of it and celebrate anyway. This year, with the day falling on a Friday, I tried to stretch it out all weekend but not sure the rest of the family was on board for that:)

Friday night, Mike and I went out and had a date night at Ruth's Chris. Our amazing friends offered to babysit the girls for us as a birthday gift so we wouldn't have to pay a sitter. It was amazing of them and the girls had a blast. And yes, we all ended up in black and white outfits before we left so I snapped a quick picture. 

We haven't been to Ruth's Chris in ages and the food was to die for! I never eat a big steak unless we are eating at someplace like this because they just do it right. Our steaks were so delicious and so were the sides and yummy champagne and wine! It's only your birthday one day a year so you have to do it up right!

 Saturday, Mike and the girls got up and made me breakfast and then I got some alone time to go shopping and get a pedicure, such a treat! That night, we went out with a bunch of parents from Ella's class to Olde Mecklenburg Brewery. Sadly, I didn't take a single picture all night but we had a great time and such a great venue for a big group. Can't wait to go back once the weather is nicer and we can sit outside.

Sunday was devoted to football. Our good friends, the Dobsons came over to watch the games. The weather this weekend was amazing so we sat out on the porch with the fire and tv going and it was heavenly. Of course the highlight for me and E was this little peanut. She is seriously the cutest little baby ever!

 I mean, check out that adorable outfit she is wearing and those big blue eyes!!

 The big kids loved jumping and playing on Mr Ben. Ellie is applying fake make up to MG in case you are wondering the funny face.

 After lots of hours of football, they got bored and decided to watch Frozen (something new) on the phone instead.

 All in all, it was a good weekend spent with the ones I love the most. We also spent a lot of time outside playing since the weather was so nice and by the end of the weekend, I could tell this one was exhausted. She NEVER naps anymore but fell right asleep this day. I love a sleeping child picture all the time, so sweet and peaceful.

Next up, MG turns 3 in February! I can hardly believe my little baby will be 3 already. More fun times to come!

Hennessy Holidays - Final Chapter

Whew, I am wrapping up the final part of our holidays. After days and days of rain and cold right before Christmas, what we arrived to in Seabrook was amazing! Beautiful blue sky and warm weather. As soon as we got out of the car (and we were all ready to get out), we went straight for the beach. It has been a full year since we have been back at Seabrook and I couldn't wait to get there and see this amazing view again.

 The girls couldn't wait to get out and see the sun and stretch their legs as well.

 The sunsets every night were out of this world. My Dad taught Ella when she was about 2 or 3 that sunsets are "very special." Now every time she sees a sunset, she says "let's call Papa and tell him we saw a special sunset."

 The next morning we had Christmas #2 with my parents and brother and Ms Laura. The girls got spoiled again. Uncle Court had to get Ella a bigger Georgia jersey since she grew out of her last one. I think it was their good luck charm in the bowl game.

 Once again, this little girl was all about her Papa and wanted him to help her open all her presents.

 Ella loved her umbrella that Ms Laura brought back from the Great Wall of China and Maddie loved her baby doll bjorn carrier!

 We had a HUGE surprise for the girls. We planned a big trip for them in late April. We are going on a Disney cruise with my parents for 4 nights and then Disney World for another couple nights after that. I ordered them monogrammed minnie shirts and The Little Mermaid DVD (because we are staying in a Little Mermaid room in Disney.) Below they are opening the DVD and then a sequence of photos of figuring it out. We captured it all on video and it is priceless. 

 The weather the entire time we were down there was AMAZING. Bright blue skies, warm 65-70 degree temps during the day. On Saturday, my Dad surprised Court and Mike and they went and golfed at the Ocean Course at Kiawah so we had a girls day. We went to lunch at our favorite restaurant and sat outside in December, heavenly.

 The restaurant is genius, they serve the kids meal in a frisbee so after the kids eat, they can run around on the grass and play while the adults finish eating or sitting longer and having some cocktails.

 The guys golfing, they had such a great day.

 Spending late afternoons running around on the beach while the sun was setting is the absolute best. Love seeing my girls with their grandparents is the absolute best!

 This little girl is slaying me in these pictures, her sassiness and funny sense of humor comes through so clearly!

 I told you these two were inseparable this trip!

 Hey blue eyes!

 Our final day at the beach was a house divided. The Panthers vs The Falcons and winner goes to playoffs and losers go home so we dressed up in our team colors.

 Eating ice cream outside in short sleeves in 70 degrees is a dream! And the Panthers won the game!!

 We had such an amazing time at the beach and were sad to say goodbye...

 but we came back to home to Christmas #3 with Mike's parents and grandparents. Mike's parents went all out and built the girls the most amazing dollhouse I have ever seen. They got a very rough idea from the Pottery Barn Kids one but made it so much better. My mother made curtains and rugs for the room and it even has hardwood floors on the bottom floor! I would want to move into this house. We told the girls to close their eyes for the big reveal!

All of the rooms were fully furnished and it is amazing!

Playing in the new house with Grandma and Grandpa. It is such a special gift since they made it all and one I know the girls will treasure for a long time.

 The girls with Mike's grandmother. She gave them each some money, hence why they are holding cash in their hands. 

 When the college football bowl game schedule was announced, we found out that Georgia was playing Louisville in the Belk bowl in Charlotte on the 30th. Since Court and Laura both went to Georgia and Laura grew up in Louisville and loves them also, they wanted to go. We were lucky enough to have Mike's parents and grandparents in town to watch the girls so we were able to attend the game with them. It was a frigid night but a big win for the Bulldogs!

 We got a special treat and were able to go out on the field during the second half and even got our picture taken with the famous UGA (Georgia's mascot)

 It was such a fun night and we treated it like our New Years Eve since we didn't have big plans for the next night. 

Whew, I am tired just looking over those pictures again but also so happy remembering all the fun times that were had. We were grateful being able to see so much family but we did miss seeing Mike's sister and brother and their families. I can say the girls had an amazing Christmas and I really hope that despite all the presents and gifts, they will also remember all the fun family time that was spent together as well. Now onto to 2015! I already know 2015 will be a big year with our big Disney trip this spring and then Ella starting kindergarten in the fall, so much to look forward to!

Hennessy Holidays Part Two

I am so behind on blogging and editing pictures from December. It is hard for me to believe that is already January 5th but I am finally digging out from the fog of the holidays to sit down and post. We had such a great December, we soaked up every minute of it. It was busy and hectic but I wouldn't change it for anything.

At preschool, they have a day when all the children get together and they sing and dance. This is for kids only and no parents are there but both of the girls teachers texted me pictures of them. Both said that the girls found each other and had to sit together. Seeing this just absolutely melts my heart. They are truly the best of friends right now and trust me, I know there will be tough times to come and they will have their fights, but right now in this moment, I love it. (And I love pigtails a lot also!!)

 And then this happened. One of our friends from preschool always hosts a party with some other friends and Santa comes to their house. I love this so much better than the mall, so much less crowded and no wait time. And let's be honest, I knew this would happen so who wants to wait around. But with all that being said, I also love a screaming Santa picture. Ella, she was all about it. MG, well, she wanted out of there as soon as possible! I love everything about the picture, MG red faced and escaping while trying to take Santa's beard with her and Ella completely laughing as if to say to Santa "yeah Santa, she is always like this but it won't affect my presents, right?"

 After Maddie left, Ella hadn't finished telling Santa everything on her list. #1 this year was Isabelle, the American Girl doll of the year.

 On a special Saturday afternoon, Ella and I had a girls day with one of her besties and her Mom. We went to lunch and then to see the Nutcracker. I called this Nutcracker Light because it was done at the local college and was an abbreviated version. Since she is only 5 and the tickets to the other one are super expensive, we went to the short one this year. She loved it and it was such a fun afternoon!

 One of my favorite things during the entire season is a children's program at our church. The children all come dressed as their favorite nativity character and then as they tell the Christmas story and your character is introduced, you can go onstage. Last year E was an angel but this year she wanted to be Mary. Let's be honest, sewing is not one of my strengths but we couldn't find a blue dress so I had to buy blue fabric and then cut it to make it look like a makeshift dress and veil. It was far from perfect but she loved it.

 Maddie was not into dressing up and was happy to sit with us but we did see our good buddy Ellie, who was an angel.

 For some reason, I was in charge of planning both girls class parties this year. How did that happen? Luckily they fell on different days and both went well. This little one loved having me in her class and I loved seeing her with her friends. She is one of the oldest in her class and her teachers say she is a "little mommy", I would call it more like a "little bossy pants" but either way, she keeps tab on everyone! 

 I mean, this face is too much! I can't believe this little thing will be 3 in less than 2 months?!?!

 E's party was a big hit also and was honestly the best preschool party I have ever attended. I think it has something to do with the fact that it is TK and they are all 5 and so know how to act and also the fact that her teachers are amazing. Either way, it was fun and we had a reindeer food bar for the kids...

and a letter to Santa writing station.

 Mike was even able to sneak away from work for a little bit to come help celebrate. And they made those sweet reindeer hats by tracing their hands.

 All of the children sang us the sweetest songs, hearing their sweet innocent voices was the best! I just love this sweet preschool and her sweet friends this year. It's hard to believe the school year is hardly half over.

Rudolph

Then Christmas break started!!

 Baking oreo truffles for the neighbors with the best sous chef around. And if she insists on wearing reindeer ears, you do what she asks!

 We still had a few bucket list items to check off our list before the holidays and seeing the bears was one and checking out the edible life size gingerbread house inside the Ritz.

 It was amazing, truly amazing!

 Cheering on the Panthers all the way to the playoff. #keeppounding

 Awww, be still my beating heart! Our good friends had the sweetest and cutest baby girl and on Christmas Eve, E and I got to go meet baby Kate! Seeing Ella with her makes me so proud, she loves on that baby so much. I have to admit, it does for a split second make me want to have a third because I know Ella would be such a helper and seeing there is just something so amazing about a newborn. But, then I come home and I am chasing around my 2 year old so she can go on the potty and I am reminded that we are done! But we will be happy to borrow Kate all the time!

 Sorry for that tangent, back to Christmas. Of course we had to bake cookies on Christmas Eve for Santa. These two were serious about their baking.

 Post Christmas Eve church service

 Typically it is only the four of us Christmas Eve and Christmas morning but this year my parents came up to spend the night and day with us and it was so much fun!

 Leaving cookies and milk for Santa

 E's note "Dear Santa

Ella + Maddie

I love u

Enjoy the cookies + Milk

Like reindeer food"

 The next morning, the girls slept until the usual, 7:30 and came in our room. Our first stop was outside to see if Rudolph and his buddies enjoyed the reindeer food she left!

 And this picture sums it up! Jumping for joy that Santa came! In our house, Santa wraps all the presents in special paper so she went into check that he came and then we ate a quick breakfast and got coffee and waited for DeeDee and Papa to get ready to open presents.

 This little one was so funny! She would honestly have been happy with one present!

 And this one was tearing through the presents!

 The highlight, Santa brought her Isabelle!

 and a new camera!

 She was happy to just sit with Papa and read her new Minnie book than open more presents

 and she just wanted to love on Isabelle

 And when she got matching dresses, she changed quicker than she ever had before (Side note: on Christmas Eve after church, the girls set up an obstacle course and E tripped and scrapped her cheek on our stone fireplace. It looked awful but she was such a trooper and never let it damper her spirits but that is what you see on her right cheek.)

 After we finished opening Santa presents, we all packed up the car to head down to Seabrook with my parents and to meet Uncle Court and Ms Laura.

Ok, that was definitely enough for one post, part three of Seabrook and Hennessy visit will be coming soon. Happy New Year everyone!!