Happy 3rd Birthday Reese!

Three years ago today I was at Scottsdale Healthcare giving birth to our first baby girl.

It was so surreal.

I remember being scared, nervous, excited, joyful, exhausted, exhilarated...a dichotomy of emotions running through me all at once as I stared down at her little face for the very first time.

Her face was all smooshed up from the stress of being born.

I couldn't possibly envision then what she would look like three years later.

I couldn't imagine what her little personality would be like.

How she would have an infectious laugh that sprouts from her generous sense of humor -- giving her the ability to think her parents are the funniest people on the planet.

How her heart would be so caring that she'd constantly be concerned for the rest of her family's welfare. "Mommy, Daddy, you okay? You okay, Mommy, Daddy?""That's Sydney. You don't touch her please."

That even at three she would be a little bookworm just like her mommy. Able to sit with a stack of books and tell the stories to herself.

How getting tickles, jumps and swings through the air from daddy would bring her so much joy.

It was impossible for me to know then what I know now.

Impossible to know the magnitude of joy she would bring to us. Impossible to know how she could melt her daddy's heart with just one look. Or bring tears to her Nana or Grandma's eyes by just one leap into their arms.

Last year on her second birthday I talked about how crazy and wonderful motherhood was...And it still is crazy and wonderful.

This year I'm so excited to watch her grow and mature. I can't wait to see her personality blossom even more. I'm looking forward to sharing more moments with my little Reese's pieces.

Sharing more laughs, grabbing more hugs, smooching more kissies...

Squeezing the most out of every moment I'm blessed to have with her.

Not taking one second for granted.

I love you so much Reese. Thank you for being such an amazing daughter, sister, granddaughter and friend.

Happy 3rd Birthday my little peanut butter cup!!! We're so excited to see all that your 3rd year has in store for you!

(Photo by Jessica Downey Photo.)

"No thank you Santa..."

We had high hopes that Reese's love for Santa would grow from last year. 

In case you don't remember here's a little reminder of how things went:

I know this is sick and probably makes me one of the worst mothers in the world...but there is just something completely hilarious about a toddler crying at Santa...I just couldn't help myself.

We tried one more time later in the day to see if she had warmed up to him...but no such luck.

(And does this guy really go all out for his Santa job or what? Not only does he keep a real beard, but he's also thoughtful enough to pack on an extra 100lbs or so. Talk about dedication.)

There is a special children's party at Arizona Country Club every year where Santa arrives via helicopter.  I know it's a bit over-the-top, but it was super fun nevertheless.

"Here comes Santa Claus, Here comes Santa Claus, right down the fair-aaa-way..."

This is when Reese really starts to sweat because the big scary fat man in a red clown suit has once again made an appearance...

And end scene. Reese has squirmed her way out of my arms and high-tailed back to the petting zoo at this point.

And here she is all happy squeezing and terrorizing the poor little bunnies and baby pigs...

What you can't tell by this next shot is that Reese is arching her back making it impossible for Bryce to actually place her on Santa's lap. Sydney's not too sure about the bearded man in red, either.

And here's the happy family...

Next week we see Santa again at the Ritz Carlton's Breakfast with Santa. Pictures to follow. (I won't hold my breath for any keepers, though.)

Teddy Bear Tea at The Ritz

One of my favorite things in the world to do is attend afternoon tea at The Ritz Carlton Phoenix. I love the old world feel combined with a delicious spread of yummy finger goodies served alongside some of the best tea you can find. (And maybe a glass of champagne, too.)

Normally, afternoon tea is something shared among some of my girlfriends sans the kiddos, but this event was a special tea service designed specifically around the kids. Since the Christmas season is in full swing, Jeffrey (maitre'd for the Ritz's tea) really puts together some fabulous events including the young ones. (The brave soul that he is.)

We met Nana and our friends Angela and Christina. Christina is a friend from Reese's preschool class that Reese absolutely adores. It's the first time -- since "school" and "friends" are so new considering she hasn't even turned three yet -- that I've seen Reese actually run to hug and squeeze a girlfriend. It was so precious. She yelled, "Kwissteena!" as soon as we walked through the swinging doors at The Ritz.

The Ritz is just gorgeous this time of year too...

We survived without breaking any china or crystal. The girls got to sing and dance to Christmas carols (because if you didn't already know Jeffrey is actually a really accomplished singer, too) and have a special visit with Ted. E. Bear!

Up next? Breakfast with Santa in the grand ballroom later this month. ;-)

I hope the holiday season is treating you well so far.