Three!!!

It's the understatement of the year to claim that Stella is excited to be three. She's thrilled; she's proud; she's driven to rolling down hills with exuberant joy. This kid is three is she's ready to tell the world. (She also tells some folks she's nine, so there.)

Despite an unexpected and chilly drizzle, we had a great time celebrating Stella's third birthday with friends and family. Stella partied with her best buds at our favorite park, and she was more than happy to continue the festivities back at home with a family dinner. When I asked her at the end of the day what her favorite part of the day was, this was her reply: "My heart-shaped cake, seeing everyone I love and rolling down the hill at the park." A good life, huh?

Thanks to everyone who contributed to a yummy potluck. I think the bagels and cream cheese were a hit.

Scarlet

Isaac

Nali

Iluma

There's an ease around these two that kills me. Sure, they occasionally struggle as most best buds do. But they totally get one another. And crawling down the giant hill like jaguars was immediately embraced by both.

(I had to, Amelia. I just had to.)

Phoebe was a great sport, braving the cold in the arms of many beloveds.

(And again, I had to, Mom. I had too. You're just too darn cute.)

And lest you think all the fun was had by three year olds, think again. Yes. These mature and accomplished adult mothers decided it was a good idea - a fun idea even - to cartwheel down the giant hill. I have nothing to say but this - Happy Birthday, Stella Scout! I will cartwheel to the ends of the earth for you. I love you. I love you. I love you.

Tiny Package

I'm sure most parents of little ones can relate to the feeling of awe and wonder I have everyday. How is it these tiny little beings contain so much life? So much personality? So much joy. Phoebe has possessed a robust little personality from the very start, but her zeal and pizazz is really coming out these days. She's "talking" up a storm, following Stella everywhere in her little walker and generally reminding me to slow down and savor the tiny but insanely sweet moments each day. What a pip.

Super Papa

This six legged creature is frequently seen roaming our neighborhood.

The girls love it, neighbors smile and the Papa feels proud.

A Bond

Okay, so I know Phoebe looks a bit nervous here (and uncharacteristically serious in all these shots), but these two have a sweet little bond growin'.

Stella and Phoebe have a funny little relationship. Unlike most of our friends with toddlers and new babes, our girls seem to be slowly warming up to one another instead of being best buds right off the bat. Actually that's not really true. Stella is slowly warming up to Phoebe. Phoebe thinks Stella hung the moon. When she finishes nursing after her naps, she always cranes her head toward the door where I can tell she expects Stella. She follows her big sister around in her little walker with a satisfied little smile, and she emits the most darling little laugh whenever Stella dances or sings or just hams it up.

But just in the last several weeks has there been a shift in Stella. She's always loved Phoebe; that's been clear from the start. But she's really starting to like her. She's taking care of her on a whole new level, and she's starting to shower her with affection.

Case in point.

It's an honor to watch this bond slowly evolve and grow. I know how deeply I care for my siblings. And while we may live our busy lives separately now that we're all grown up (when did that happen?), I think I speak for all of us when I say we have an unfaltering sense of affection and admiration for one another. We will always share a certain shorthand in this life, and we will always be there for one another. What a gift.

We send a hearty congratulations to our dear friends, Alex, Erik and Ava who welcomed baby Hazel June last month and to Kami, Michael and Scarlet who welcomed baby Evelyn Violet just last week. We love you guys!

Goofball

Fossils

As you've all gathered, Stella's interest in dinosaurs is more than a little extraordinary. So when Grandpa Harte suggested a hike where there were actual plant and bird fossils, Stella was thrilled. While Phoebe and I enjoyed some precious alone time, Stella and Papa headed for the hills with the Bressler clan. The experience only added to her love of nature and science. (This morning she asked me if I could carry her on my back and Phoebe on my front while we hunt for dinosaurs in the yard. Anything for you, my little explorer.)

Cousins

While Phoebe stuck close to Poppy all evening, Stella soaked up her "big friends," cousins Eva Maria and Olivia. Stella is enchanted by these two. And we had a lovely evening of playing while celebrating Aunt Lisa's birthday.