Party Hardy!

Birthday party #1 was held Thursday with my mom, sister, niece, nephews and brother here at our house. We shared the party with Luke, who turned 2 in December and Erica, who will be 8 on the 23rd of January. It was a fun morning, despite Mary Beth not feeling well and sleeping 3 hours in the morning and 3 hours in the afternoon. She was happy enough when we opened gifts and ate some birthday cake.

Someone enjoyed their cupcake!

Friday morning we had party #2 with friends. Gabe, Nathan, Mary Beth and Mia are eagerly awaiting the arrival of the Werkema's so they could have cake :)

I made mini-cupcakes for this party as quite often little kids don't eat a whole cupcake. There was enough for seconds if the kids wanted another one. They're supposed to be monkeys if you couldn't tell... they look nothing like the sample I found on the web. Oh well... they were still a hit with everyone.

Mary Beth got beaten to blowing out the candles by Nathan (no surprise there!)

Becoming a pro at unwrapping gifts!

Thanks to Alissa, Ethan, Evelyn, Mia, Gabe, Asher, Charity, Judah and their moms for coming to celebrate Mary Beth's birthday!

Party #3 was Friday night with all the Naves'. I was a little concerned how Mary Beth would be that evening since she decided not to nap that day. She was good most of the time but decided she wasn't going to sleep that evening either and stayed snuggled on my lap. For some reason Nathan always buries his head when we sing "Happy Birthday".

Mary Beth was spoiled by everyone!

Dr. Mary Beth :)

Mary Beth, you bring so much joy to our lives! We love seeing your personality coming through and you make us smile and laugh on a daily basis. Even when you're being told "no" and being disciplined, a smile or smirk always appears on your face (probably not a good thing!) which makes it hard for us to keep a straight face! You are definitely the cuddler of the family, always wanting to snuggle or laying your head on my lap, even now as I type this. We love hearing new words from you, especially as you try to answer the children's catechism questions and sing Psalters or your personal favorite, "Away in a Manger".

While your screaming is ear-piercing at times, we love your quite times as you sit and look at every book on the book shelf. Sharing is not so easy for you anymore as it once was, at least not with your brother. He does adore you though, calling you "girl" or "baby" more often then your name. You love clothes,although not necessarily wearing them :) So often if it is quiet in the house we will find you in your old room where your clothes still are, emptying out every drawer of its contents. Just now you were wearing a wet sock and underwear (that were drying on the rack) around your neck. I think playing dress-up is going to be a favorite of yours (just like your mommy when she was a girl).

Happy Birthday dear Mary Beth! We love you so much and thank the Lord for every day we have had you in our lives. Praying that you may know Him as your own Lord & Savior!