Ruby is THREE!

Last month my baby girl turned three. I think turning three is officially the end of being a "baby", but until April 10th, Ruby will be my baby girl--although don't tell her that. Whenever I even refer to her as my "little girl" she protests and says that the baby in my belly is little, not her.

Ruby's birthday fell on a Sunday this year, so even though we have afternoon church, I was planning to celebrate after church. Ruby, however, had other plans and really, really wanted to be able to blow out her candles before church. She was convinced she was still two until her candles were officially extinguished so we obliged (we seem to do that an awful lot.)

Ruby and her big pink cupcake. (I am certainly getting my money's worth out of that cupcake mold!)  Reed, the cub scout, was very excited about being able to light the candles.

And with one big blow the candles were out...

and she was finally officially THREE years old (actually being able to hold up three fingers is a different story).

The birthday girl in her birthday dress made by my Nana.

I was a little worried she would want to eat the cake as well (and we really didn't have time for that), but thankfully she was completely satisfied with the candles and singing and happily headed out the door for church. (Don't worry we stripped her of her party hat before getting out of the car.)

Ruby was also lucky enough to have Grandmother there for the celebration.

We may not have had time to eat the cake before church, but we didn't waste anytime busting into it the moment we got home.

She is one loved and adored three-year old.

 Birthdays never seem to be one day affairs in our home. We like to stretch them out for at least a week. A few days later Ruby was beyond thrilled to receive her "dream birthday gift" from Nana and Papa---a Cinderella dress and the important accessories.  She put it on immediately and was in heaven wanting me to lift her onto the bathroom counter so she could check herself out. I think these pictures speak for themselves (please ignore what the finger prints all over the mirror have to say).

After she had sufficiently admired her royal self, she headed downstairs, but not without requesting someone hold the back of her dress like a real princess. I hope she knows how lucky she is to have such eager and accommodating brothers.

 We absolutely adore our little princess and can hardly wait to see what year three has in store for this firecracker of a girl. Happy Birthday Ruby!