she nailed it

For her birthday, Lauren requested a real manicure. When we arrived at the nail salon she couldn't decide between the pink or the purple. I mean, it was such a huge decision! And she loved them both. So, I asked the technician if she could polish one nail in each color to help her choose. The woman just smiled at me and in broken English said, "It her bir-day, ri?"

"Yes," I told her.

She winked at me, painted two nails in alternating colors and then just kept going. I'm not sure I've ever seen Lauren with a bigger smile on her face. As she finished the second coat she asked Lauren, "You wan spawkas?"

Alternating pink and purple polish with SPARKLES? It was like a dream come true. A very, very happy birthday dream.

Happy birthday, Lauren!

the big 3

Audrey turned 3 this week! It was a fun day, made so much better because Kim happened to be home for a few days from his extended trial work in Richmond. Hooray!

As always, we opened presents as soon as everyone was awake. Audrey got two books, two swimsuits she'll need for our upcoming beach trip, a cute and cuddly stuffed horse from Grandma and Grandpa Humble, a matching game, some play-doh, some dress up clothes, and her very own "compoota" -- a Leapfrog laptop that apparently makes her feel wonderfully older than three. Kim made some yummy pancakes before he headed into the office, and the girls and I picked up some balloons for the day's festivities.

Mid-morning, Kennedy Burt and Sophia Green came over for a Dora birthday party. Audrey dressed like Dora for the occasion, but quickly changed into her new princess dress ups, over and over and over again. The girls colored, played with play-doh, had lunch, decorated Dora cupcakes, played "Dora Says" and (of course) watched an episode of Dora. My favorite moment was during lunch when Audrey surveyed her friends and sisters sitting around the table and said, with complete sincerity, "You are all really awesome girls."

Kim called later in the afternoon and said he'd finished up his work and could join us at the pool. So, we had an early dinner and spent the evening swimming. The girls had so much fun showing off their swimming skills and jumping off the diving board for Dad. When everyone was tuckered out, we headed home to sing happy birthday and have cupcakes -- a nice end to a very fun day.

After we put the girls to bed, I thought about that night three years ago when we met our Audrey for the first time, and all of the fun we've had with her since. She's such a sweet, spunky, funny little person. We're so blessed that she came to our family. We love you, Audrey!

xoxox

those eyes

Since we recently decided to go with some friends to the beach next week, it turns out Lauren will celebrate her birthday while we're there. At this late date, and with so many other things to do, party supply shopping required swift action. I decided to order online from my favorite cheap party supply shop -- Oriental Trading. (This is where Kim would type, "I love China.")

To fulfill Lauren's wish for a puppy-themed party, I selected dog noses, dog-shaped tubs of silly putty, and bone-shaped candies. As I finished shopping, Lauren came and cuddled next to me on the couch. "Is this for my birthday?" she asked, wide-eyed.

"Yes, "I said. "What do think?"

"Oh, thank you, Mom!" She gave me a squeeze. "You're spending a lot of time on the computer for my birthday, aren't you, Mom?" She felt so special. And then, in a way only Lauren can, she said, "Mom, thank you for spending a lot of time on the computer for my birthday."

"You're welcome, sweetheart."

I had barely uttered the words when I surveyed my shipping options and realized that to get the party supplies to the beach in time for Lauren's birthday would require an extra $20 charge, more than my total purchase. No way. I've never. Plan B. And then I looked at Lauren and her always grateful, big, dark, puppy dog eyes.

The box will arrive on Tuesday.

happy birthday, dear kim

This morning the girls awakened Kim with cheers of "Happy birthday!" and little hands bearing gifts. Together, they held three envelopes they had made out of wrapping paper, and tied carefully with bows.

The first was from Lauren. Inside was a picture she drew just for her daddy. "Thank you!" Kim said, surveying the long row of red dots and a large, red triangle. "What is it?"

"It's firetrucks driving to a volcano."

"I love it."

"You're welcome."

The next was from Ella. Inside were four quarters. They were all state quarters, which makes me think that Ella has learned one of the secrets of successful gift giving: giving exactly what you would like yourself. (It was, however, easier in this case since the quarters came from states she has already filled on her collector's map.)

And finally, a poem from Ella:

"Rosis are reb,

Vilits are blu,

And all I love

is you, you, YOU, YOU, YOU."

I gave him a new Titleist/ASU hat. Much needed, and quite well-liked. It looks nice on him. And Mom and Dad bought him his all-time favorite gift for any occasion: a dozen golf balls.

He's at the driving range now, but we're dropping off the girls at the sitter and going to dinner tonight. I love birthdays!