In a house covered in vines.....

Tonight Ceilidh went to bed as a three year old, but will wake up a four year old. I know people say this all the time, but I really can not believe it. I do not feel old enough or equipped enough to have a four year old. Each day that goes by, the decisions I/we have to make for her life and development seem to get harder and more anxiety producing for me. I feel like up till now I have definitely stressed (I know WAY more than I should have), but I feel the decisions are starting to carry more weight in the long run. My friend Wesley said to me once last year, " I was most concerned with protecting her physically at 2, but most concerned with protecting her emotionally at 3." I totally agree with her, and feel that this sentiment will continue for the rest of her life; especially since she is a girl. Children in general, but especially girls can so easily wounded, at early ages. This doesn't mean you live in fear, or slack in discipline; but the responsibility of raising a girl (and soon to be girls) is weighing heavily on my mind as her bday approaches. I realize this isn't the mushiest love-fest you might expect on her birthday post; but this is how I am feeling. Don't get me wrong, I am SO proud of who she is becoming and I LOVE being her mommy; but it is scary at times. Please continue to pray for her as she grows and develops; but also for us as we grow as parents!

To celebrate this sweet bundle of spirit, we had a family Madeline party this weekend at her request. Madeline isn't the most popular in terms of party supplies, so we went with a complimentary French theme since Madeline lives in France. During our brunch that started at of course half past nine; we ate crepes, parfaits, fruit kabobs, and cake! We had story time and played games. She had a BLAST. Thank you to all our family that love her so well. I am so glad my sister and her children were able to come this year! Happy Birthday Ceilidh Davis! We love you so much!!!

"Pheeny"

Sweet Jack

Graeme was jealous of Ceilidh's new Madeline backpack, so he made his own "pack pack!" ha

Zion told me he was participating in team work helping Ceilidh blow out her candle. HA

Listening to the story

Looking for clues during our scavenger hunt

Finding the first clue

The Madeline Hat cake.... a strawberry bottom layer and a white top layer. I know they aren't as fancy as a bakery cake, but I really LOVE making their bday cakes. Andrew does too if he would admit it! wink

Random shots:

Graeme started walking around the house with Daddy's boots on one day. Too cute for words!

My heart almost can't handle this picture, as I can see her as a teenager wearing this outfit! I'm sure by then, the style will have changed though. ha


The rest of Caitlin's Graduation pictures:

Phoenix and Jack hanging out in their "rides" at Caitlin's graduation tailgate. We had a only an hour or so between the "big" graduation and the Journalism graduation, so Suzanne prepared a tailgate spread for the "in between" time.

We kept waiting for the monkey and palm tree balloons in order to find her. There she is!

I really love watching the graduates file in. The Clef hangers singing "Carolina on Mind" gets me every time. Oh UNC, how I love thee!