I figure I really needed to get this post up before Collin's 1st birthday rolls around!
Sydney had been begging for ear piercing ever since her classmate had her ears pierced a couple of months ago. I thought for sure she'd chicken out before her birthday weekend rolled around, but nope. So, two days before her birthday, my mom and I took her to Claire's. Here's the tentative before picture, the immediate after picture, and then the tears gone picture. She only cried for about 10 seconds, but isn't that picture just heartbreaking? Other shoppers must have thought we were so mean! She chose the October birthstone because it is light pink. She looks SO CUTE. It worked out great because she was perfectly still --- the requirement for the Claire's workers to do both ears at the same time. I'm not sure she would have done the 2nd one if they did them one at a time. :)
Immediately after, we headed to a celebratory carousel ride. She was so proud of the earrings!!
Since we recently moved and had a crazy busy fall, I didn't plan a birthday party with her classmates. I sent cupcakes and candles to school, and she loved having everyone sing to her. Then, we just did presents and cake at home with Grandma and Pop. I feel terrible now that we didn't do a big party because she's been to a few here for her new friends, and she loves them. At least now I know, and next year we'll do it up big!
Now, we didn't sing to Sydney one time. Or even two times. We sang to her (and she sang to herself) with the big cake, then re-lit the candles on her piece of cake, and then again and again and again. I think we sang five times with candles. The third birthday must be when they really embrace the birthday fun. She couldn't get enough.
At three years old, Sydney Drew is a very strong-willed yet loving little girl. She loves her baby brother more than anyone in the world, and she is such a Daddy's Girl. She loves school-related activities (flash cards, tracing numbers and letters, etc.). I hope she's always excited about learning. Sydney has strong opinions as well as a sensitive heart. She is like a different child in the last six months --- loves playing with friends and takes less time to warm up to new people. She has a memory like her Daddy (supernatural, really) and can learn words to songs in no time. She's hilarious, silly, and compassionate. We are surprised by her every day, and it's so much fun to watch her in the big sister role. She has moved out of overnight pull-ups, and her pacifier is gone. It almost makes me tear up! There are definitely challenges that come with having a three-year-old, and there are times I want to hide for a few hours (or days), but there are also times when I feel so happy and full because we get to be her parents. I can't wait to see what this next year holds!!
