"Me This Many"

Vanna Banana is now THREE years old! It's hard to believe that much time has gone by since we had her. For weeks before her birthday she told most anyone who spoke to her that she was going to be "free". She'd first hold up two fingers and announce to them, "me two - an - me be this many". It was her way of saying, "right now I'm two and soon I'll be three". So her birthday finally came (Sunday) and I think she had such a good day:

Vanna's loot. She got many well wishes and cards from family, and grandparents even put money in their cards to her. She was so surprised to find that in them - thank you!

She got a new doll that came with it's own little diaper bag and accessories, change of clothes, etc. She plays such a good mother to that little baby - it's darling! She rocks it while singing "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star" (just like we do to her), she tosses it in the air and catches it (just like we do to her), she gives it it's binkie when it's "cying", etc. She's so funny with it. Even Cash asked the other day, "Why does Vanna love her baby so much?!"

AND she got a trampoline! Actually this is the kids' combined birthday present and we opened it about a week early - we just couldn't resist when the days were so nice and the fact that Ty didn't have any other days off prior to Vanna's birthday (other than Sunday), in which to set it all up, played into it as well.

Can you see the gaping mouth and surprised look on Vanna's face when she first set eyes on it?! Cash was especially excited about the trampoline and was instantly doing tricks on it (he already lands on his knees and flips over, as well as doing a regular flip now - too crazy!). Vanna was a little more hesitant. At first, I had to be on the trampoline with her and she wouldn't bounce if Cash was at the same time. Then she was willing to hold on to the net and jump along with Cash. Now she has conquered her fear and is jumping all over with Cash, at the same time. They love it - and we knew they would!

It was funny though on Vanna's actual birthday, after opening her doll and chair, Cash said, "Where's the rest of Vanna's presents Mom, I'll go get them." I told him that this was all of Vanna's presents - to which he responded, "Just two?!" This immediately registered as a good indication that my kids are completely spoiled. :) I quickly reminded him of the huge trampoline they have outside and that it was part of Vanna's birthday as well as part of his own. He just shrugged his shoulders and said, "Oh."

The cake:

It's supposed to look like a present and whether or not it really looks like one is nearly irrelevant because I was so pleased with it simply for the reason that it ws so easy! And she blew out all three candles on the first try! Good job Vanna! May all your wishes come true!

Now whomever Vanna comes upon (friend or stranger), the person quickly learns she is three because she says, "me burpday an me this many" (while holding up her three dainty little fingers). And if ever I say something similar to, "because you're a little girl" Vanna is quick to remind me that, "No, me big girl, me free!" Yes, sweetheart you are a big girl now!