third birthday

It's hard to believe that Maia turned three today. That's 36 months she's been in our lives already. Didn't I just deliver her? Oh.... right. That was Eliana.

My friends weren't joking when they said time flies with these little people. And how I do love this little person.

Even though Maia's birthday was today, we 'partied' on the long weekend with family that was able to come up -- my parents, my two sisters and Tim's dad for a few hours as well. We hung balloons and streamers in the kitchen, and just enjoyed being together for as long as we could before people had to leave, one by one. (The last guest was my sister Christine, who left this morning.)

I love watching my family enjoy the girls. It is such a joy to me to see the interest they have in both of them, and the smiles and laughter that are shared when simply watching them. I find that I enjoy the girls when I am alone with them, but my joy is multiplied when there is another adult there to enjoy them with: someone with whom to make comments about how strange and wonderful they are, with whom to knowing exchange glances when they're funny or obstinant or adorable. I guess that's part of the beauty of community.

On Monday morning, Maia and I baked a chocolate cake together for our big lunch crowd. That Siebert cake recipe is unbeatable. (Thanks, Mel!) I think we're adopting it as our official Doherty birthday cake recipe from now on. Maia had originally asked for a carrot cake but then changed her mind at the last minute. Good call, kiddo.

It's been good and hot here. The icing tells the story.

Notice that Maia is wearing different outfits in almost every picture? I have recently had to make a rule about changing into new clothes without asking, or else this little lady would costume change all day long. Clearly, I was a little slack with the new rule while company was around

Now I can't only include pictures of the toddler-morphing-into-child when there is also such a charming and content baby around. Eliana lives up to her name. She is a joy. Here are some pictures of her with my sister and my dad as well. Again, I just love watching others enjoy her. Is it possible I love that even more than my own moments with her? Hmmm.... I'll have to think on that one.

And although today was Maia's actual birthday, Tim and I didn't have much planned since our planning had really gone into the time with family on the weekend. So we decided at the last minute to take her out to Exeter for dinner (fries and ice cream, good and nutritious!) and to the splash pad. She loved that. So much that she cried when it was time to leave, poor thing. I'll have to take her again back on a hot afternoon sometime this month. Only a dollar for all that fun!

Happy happy birthday, darlin.

My heart melts to know that this heavenly treasure is upstairs sleeping as I type this. We are blessed.