Happy 3rd Birthday my darling!

Peyla! You are three today. I can't believe how quickly time passes by. I can close my eyes and drift right back to the day you were born. The clothes I wore to the hospital. Grasping the door handle on the drive there, crying through every bump your daddy hit. After 17 hours of labor, you came into our lives- this tiny, sweet, gentle little soul. One of the most pivotal moments of my life was when you were handed to me, crying, and as I squeaked "you're so little"- you stopped crying immediately and your murky little eyes searched for me. You knew me. And I felt like we had loved each other forever. It still feels that way, only intensifying every day. You are such an incredible little human...so perfectly YOU. You remind me of the sea, deep and thoughtful. You care so much, you always have. It bothers you when you see others cry. You watch others' emotions with this compassionate, thoughtful look on your face. You're trying to "read" people. I see your spirit blossom more every day too...you have your preferences, hopes and wants. You can be sassy sometimes, which I secretly love. Because baby, it is a tough world out there and sometimes we have to use our convictions to make positive changes! You feel so deeply, I can tell already. You will need that sass to protect your heart when people or events break you down. And never, EVER give up on yourself! I love watching you reach just a little farther every day, try something new or branch out of your comfort zone. You are a force my darling girl...let your love shine more each day! Happy happy birthday to you, Peyla Pearl. We love you more than anything!

 3 years old!

 

 2nd birthday...first one as a big sister.

 

 1st birthday

 

 I can't resist that face.

 

First day in this world!

Lazy days

When the summer hits in AZ, it feels like the energy is slowly leaking from your body. I have to remind myself that every winter, when "zonies" are outside and frolicking in the gorgeous weather, the rest of the country is inside fighting the cold. So I deem these summer months- our "hibernating" days. We tend to go out early in the morning, run errands or hit our repertoire of outlets (mall, splashpad, Tot Town, library) and then head home before the sun bakes us. Afternoons are usually spent watching a movie, playing "make believe" or playing around with our water table outside. As much as I complain about these summer days, I remember spending my summers in much of the same ways- play dates with friends, library books and being lazy. I guess it's just a rite of passage as a zonie girl!

 

Summer bowling!

What's a girl to do to beat the afternoon heat in AZ? Indoor bowling of course!

 

 First we have to pry the pins away from Ali...

 Sneaky girl!

 She sure likes to get into trouble.

 It could be a spare!

 Partners in crime.

 

A rare "mommy and me" shot