Four Years

Four years ago, this little girl made me a mom.  I remember that cold January day well as we received the best New Year's gift we could ask for.  Now we have two more and the best little mama there is.  She is always looking out for her brother and sister and Hazel will usually go to her first when she needs help with something.  When Hazel doesn't want to go to kids' church, Ev will take her by the hand and play with her the whole time so she "won't be scared of all the people".  Most nights, she is more than willing to share her twin bed and when mama needs to get things done she will happily hold Otto for as long as possible.  None of us are really sure what we are going to do when she starts preschool next year, but we do know that we are lucky to have her.  She is a performer at heart and will gladly sing and dance for anyone who will watch.  Which also means multiple costume changes that always end with her in her "comfies".  Happy Birthday little lady!  I'm sorry you didn't wake up any bigger but we sure do love you, no matter your size!

Hazel Lou Turns Two

Yesterday, our baby girl turned two.  She's incredibly sweet and equally sassy.  She's been singing happy birthday to herself all week and insists she is turning three.  She calls her sister Emma and I sort of hope she never outgrows that.  She loves her family, but her papa has always held a special spot in her heart.  She is big into naming her emotions right now, including sad, happy, frust {frustrated}, and scared.  Half the time, she is extremely opinionated in what she wants.  The other half, she simply yells "me too!" when Evelyn wants something.  Her favorite toy is her baby and she is constantly rocking her, feeding her, or putting her to sleep.  I can't wait to see her become a big sister soon!  Although, she also makes a pretty good little sister as her favorite game to play is to steal something that belongs to Evelyn {usually Susette} and then run away as fast as she can.  She loves to cuddle and is always giving the biggest hugs and kisses.  She despises clothing and appropriately spent her entire birthday in her birthday suit.  Hazel Lou, we love you so much and hope you had a wonderful second birthday!

Three

Three years ago, we welcomed this spunky, sweet little lady into the world.  She is one of the most entertaining people I have been around and loves being the center of attention.  She loves to be a mommy, both to her baby dolls and her little sister.  She loves to talk and conversations with her never disappoint.  In the past year, we have watched her learn how to use the potty, sleep in a big girl bed, pick out her outfits and dress herself, learn the words to every children's song and Christmas song there is, drive her gator, memorize Bible verses, dance like a little ballerina, and much, much more.  

We celebrated her birthday a couple days ago.  I had asked her several times over the past month what she decorations she would like at her party.  She decided she would really like a tea party.  I asked if she would like to serve tea, but she thought maybe just coffee and milk.  I let her pick the menu; pizza, salad, and strawberries.  And of course, we had to have blue cupcakes.  Happy third birthday Evelyn Emma!

  

One

Yesterday, we celebrated the birthday of a very special little lady.  Her actual birthday was on Friday, and was quite eventful as it was the first snowstorm of the season and we were without power for 17 hours.  By Sunday, the power was back and the roads were cleared up enough for everyone to gather together for brunch, cake, and lots of gifts.  It is definitely nice having a two-year-old at a first birthday party so mom doesn't get stuck opening all the presents.  I think Evelyn opened all but one {and has probably played with all the toys more than Hazel has too}.  Happy birthday Hazel, we are so happy to have you in our family and love watching you grow!

Two

she wanted her babies included in her pictures.

naturally, it always ends in lots of kisses for Hazel.

on new year's day, we welcomed in a new year for the earth and for our baby girl.  the first song she learned to sing and the one she requests most often is twinkle twinkle little star, so we wanted to incorporate it into her special day.  she is also deeply in love with the color blue, so we had to include that as well.  we invited her favorite people over to help us celebrate and forced her to open more presents {a piano! just what mom and dad were hoping for ;)}.  she devoured her cupcake focusing mainly on the frosting, as it should be.  she then decided she shouldn't have to nap on her birthday, so no naps were had.  it was a wonderful day and we couldn't be more thankful for these last two years with her.