It hardly seems possible that Ann Eileen Harding - Wheeler turned 3 on September 4, 2010. I remember so vividly the drive to the hospital to have my c-section on the day Annie was born. Bob and I knew that our lives would change but we had no idea all of the ways that it would change. There was the obvious stuff - diapers, wipes, bottles and nightime feedings but there was also the joy that having a baby in the house again brings. Annie did not disappoint. Annie has filled our home with laughter and fun since the day she came home. She is adored by her brother and sisters for her kindness, gentleness and her quick wit. As for being Annie's mother - there is no greater joy! She is a wonder to behold each day - filled with curiosity and compassion, a day has never gone by that was not filled with tight hugs around the neck, kisses placed gently on my cheeks, nose, eyes and hands and best of all, hearing Annie's take on the world around her. For instance when I asked a few weeks ago how Annie's lunch was, she responded with, "It's not perfect!"When I asked her one day last week how her day was while I was at work her response was, "It would have been better if you stayed home but you gotta do what you gotta do!" I love watching Annie when she runs in the yard or plays with her Papa or Grammy - she holds back nothing - just happy, light fun! Annie makes us aware on a daily basis that God is present in our loves in the biggest and smallest of ways - we love you Ann Eileen! We are so happy that you were born!
Auntie Meg got Annie a bubble machine and it is a HUGE hit with all of the kids - until they start sliding all over the floor from the soap!
Ellie loved lip gloss but can't quite figure out what to do with it!
Guess what we had for breakfast?
Just waiting for the Birthday girl to wake up!
Mommy and her girl - Happy 3rd Birthday, Annie!
Molly made Annie a very sweet "sister" card!
The princess puts on her crown!
And serves up tea! Thank you to Auntie Beth for her midnight run to Walmart when this crazy Mom decided that the adorable pink table would be even more enticing if it had a tea set all laid out on it when Annie woke up. Auntie Beth came through big time!
Annie's face when we told her she got to put the table, chairs and tea set in her room!
More present! Annie was so goo about letting Lizzie help!
Charlotte's Web is Annie's favorite movie so she was excited that there is another one.
Our little musician.
Daddy and the girls playing on the chalk board.
Annie and her Daddy!
My Birthday Lovebug!
Lots of people stopped by to see Annie on her birthday. Auntie Meg came with the babies, Auntie Eileen came over to see the Birthday girl and take Peter out for the morning, Auntie Beth and uncle Colin came over and hung out. It was a perfect day for our birthday girl.
Auntie Meg gave Annie special "Birthday Girl" time with Brendan on her bed alone. The kids always fight over being closest to the baby so it was wonderful for Annie to have the baby all to herself for a few minutes.
Of course, Uncle Bob takes his time with Lila!
The bubble machine!
Molly and Brendan
Mommy with her hands very full! My heart swells when I get to have both babies at one time! Well, let's get real - I could have one and my heart would be beating faster!
Bob is a natural with the babies - he looks so cute with a baby in his arms!
Annie and Birdie - she could not have been happier on her birthday!
Brendan looks pretty content being mothered by Annie.
Molly Girl loving on Lila!
Auntie Beth and Uncle Colin came over to see the Birthday girl so we took advantage of having Ellie's godparents together and took some pictures. How lucky is Ellie to have godparents who are around so much and love her so much!
Since Annie, Molly and Lizzie were spending part of their day with Auntie Beth, Uncle Colin agreed to stay with Peter and Ellie so that Bob and I could go meet our newest little nephew, Timothy David Booth. Our great friends, Randi and Chris had Timmy on Septmeber 2nd and we could not wait to get him in our arms!
Uncle Bob loved holding Timmy!
Once Auntie Kasey got him close to my heart I would not let him go! Congratulations to Randi, Chris and big brothers, Nate and Tony on the blessed new addition to their family.
I think I'm finally on a good blogging run and I have plenty more pictures to come!
GNM - ILY!
