Happy 3rd Birthday to Lauren!

**And I never hit post for this one, either?! What gives? I am apparently technologically challenged sometimes.  I write these posts and never "publish" them.  Good grief.**

It's really hard for me to believe that Lauren is 3 today.  I'm pretty sure that I said the same thing last year and the year before that on her birthday...but it's just true.  I can remember other moms telling me (while I was pregnant) "enjoy every moment..it goes by so fast."  All those sleepless nights (and there were lots...Lauren was NOT a good sleeper for a long time!)  I was thinking, "this will never end." "She will never sleep through the night."  Or "she's never going to learn to nurse/crawl/stop spitting up/let me put her down for 5 seconds...." But it just went by so fast.

I told my SIL, Kelli that I heard Carrie Underwood's "Mama's Song" on the radio and just had a big, ugly cry in the car, while I was driving down the road. Why?  Well, because if time keeps moving at the same speed it is now, I will be going to Lauren's wedding next month!  Maybe that's why I've been neglecting the blog so much lately....even though it's important to me to keep up with the things that Lauren does and share them- I've been busy enjoying her too much to blog about it! (who knows, maybe I can revive the blog with a little dedication though!)

Sooo...in honor of my sweet, sweet girl who is 3 today- I am posting some pictures from her last birthdays!!

 Lauren Grace- May 20, 2008

First Steps- May 23, 2009

 2nd Birthday- May 2010

 May 2011

We've had such a fun day today! I made blueberry pancakes for breakfast (Lauren's fave) and then she and Kate played outside most of the day.  It was the perfect weather..sunny and in the 70s. 


Kate showed up in a precious outfit that we had gotten her for Christmas.  I also bought one for Lauren at the same time in her size. :)  These 2 are about as close as sisters, anyway- why not dress them alike?! 

They put on quite the show when I pulled out my camera! :)

Jason came home with roses for Lauren- a tradition that he started last year.  I love it. And I know she will one day as well.

He also brought home some huge balloons.  Lauren loved those waaaay more than the flowers.

We let her open a small present- a Dora watch like she has been asking for.

And I also picked up a little cake at Kroger just for the 3 of us.  

It was chocolate- her favorite!

And she got some mermaids for the bathtub.  She is so "into" mermaids right now.  She is actually having a "mermaid" birthday party next weekend in Florida!

She loved them! She took them in the bathtub with her and I found them in her bed that night when she was asleep. :)

I will be sure to post some pictures of the mermaid party soon!

We love you, sweet girl, you are our greatest blessing!

Happy 3rd Birthday to you!!