you are now entering "The Birthday Party Zone"

Turning 3 brings on many new adventures/challenges for Rory...and her family.

There are quick parent/teacher conference-ettes in the parking lot when your child's preschool teacher comments that Rory needs to "work on keeping her hands to herself." (I know those are the words she said, but I still heard, "Your child's not perfect. How did you screw her up so badly?")

There are "reasoning skills" which, while extremely lacking in wisdom and lifetime experience, create such dramatic conversations between parent and child that you'd think she was debating for the presidency.

There are personal tastes which make clothes shopping a new ballgame. She is no longer my doll to dress-up.

There are dreams and potential which seem just around the corner. I can almost feel the pain of a broken heart, or the thrill of a new friend. I cannot protect her from everything, and I feel a very small part of me rebelling against her "future" with fervor.

Then there are birthday parties.

Rory has been to two parties in two weeks. She celebrated Hailey's 4th birthday (a friend from school), and Isaiah's 4th birthday (a friend from our days in Harrisonville). Each time I opened up the invitation I thought, "So here we go. Rory is now either on the invite list or not." (I know, I'm dramatic. Have we met?)

Rory on the other hand...oblivious to the fact that her life changes so much each day. I am extremely aware that one day very soon I will look at her and she will be my little lady, and no longer my little girl.
Rory getting ready to decorate her treat bag at Hailey's party.

Caedmon, Hailey, and Rory with their treat bags.
They played with Hailey's make-up. She came home with stick on earrings as well.
Three girls who are very eager to eat cake.
Another Mickey Mouse themed party. Rory and Isaiah were very excited to see each other again. There were many hugs exchanged, and he couldn't wait to give her the Mickey Mouse ears and a goody bag. (He even made one for little Emme.)