The Pink Princess Party

Gianna has been planning her party since the day after her last party. She would remind me after each party for her friends that we went to this year. "I want a pink princess party for my birthday mommy." So I gave her one. And a pink princess too!







Our Princess was so great!


We had some serious moments.


And all the Ludlow cousins had a great time.


Many knights and princesses were enjoying the new castle.


All the pink refreshments.


And yes I made the cake! I had a blast. The turrets are sugar cones and the towers are rice crispy treats.


And the most fun item I made. Individual cotton candy bites!!!

She informed me yesterday afternoon (a mere 24 hours after her Pink Princess Party) that she wanted a Tinkerbell party. I already have several ideas. I have issues.

Birthday Girl

Gianna Joy, you are four years old today. I woke up this morning so excited to start the day with you and celebrate at your pink princess party. Not as early as you woke me up four years ago but hey, your reason was a bit more urgent.
Gianna I love you so very very much. I love that you love pink. I wasn't always so excited that it was the only color you chose but that was two years ago and I've grown as a mom. I don't buy clothes in advance any more and I always take you shopping with me!
I love that you love being a princess and that you get so excited about presents and pancakes! It's so fun to see you so joyous.


You love school and like dance. I think you are the cutest ballerina ever! I love how kind you are to your sisters. You always feed them yogurt and tell me each and all the times you share.


You love going to the movies and eating popcorn on family movie night. You tell me, "It's my hair I should have it like I want." You love lipstick. Princess are real and Sleeping Beauty is your favorite. You say- "that's hilarious" and it makes me smile. You love candy. You tell me that's your favorite thing. And brownies too. That's your favorite. You are the quiz master. With each question being-"why" or "how" or "WHY??!!??"
You are my first born and that makes you the trailblazer and the learning curve. Thank you for letting my learn with you and for giving me Joy every day!

Christmas pictures

Now I'm gonna warn you. These pictures are cute. I'm so glad we didn't have to take them! One of Johns work contact did Phildelus photography did but it proved that yes, taking pictures of three small children is indeed like herding cats




Isn't he cute??!!


Elizabeth refused to have her feet touch the ground. But this is one of my favorites


Until you get to this one





Super super cute!


This one was almost our Christmas card. I just couldn't think of a good line till after I sent the cards out.
We're laughing all the way- almost! Merry Christmas from the Ludlows

It's time

Y'all I've become one of those mothers. Those who know me well know that truly it was only a matter of time. Yes I make my kids' birthday cakes. Yes there are no less than 10 feather boas decorating my house right now. Yes, to the many many many crazy fun things that I have done for Gianna's upcoming birthday party. But none of them have left me crazy. Just with a big ol smile because I'm enjoying every single second of getting this Pink Princess party extravaganza ready! She is loving each day as I put something else up one the wall or get something else ready. I think I decided that I compensate for birthdays for my kids because mine is such a funky time of year. I want Gianna to know she is fully celebrated and loved and with her own special day. And well Elizabeth and Cosette have to share a day so at least it should be great.
More pictures after the said event but I just had some thoughts and wanted to share. It's been a while and I know you missed me!

20 months!

I cant believe it. Somehow 20 months sounds so old.





Here you are enjoying helping mommy cook on Christmas day. New milestones this month:
E you are using so many more words. You even remember to say- tank ooouu ( thank you). I still love those lips!
C you can run. And run FAST!
You both have started to hold hands with each other when we pray at dinner and you both can say AMEN. What little Holy Girls we have!
You kiss each other at night with a sister kiss and your favorite person is Gianna
You both are getting so big. Mommy cannot hold you both at the same time anymore. But mommy has very big muscles from all the other months she has!
You both Loved Christmas lights. E oooohs and points and C you say light-lighHhhhhTttttt.
Baby dolls are a great hit and your favorite toy is still the one that the other sister has.
Let's stop here and not make it to 2 ok? I don't think I can handle these little babies:





Getting any bigger.

Fun snack time

19

19 months. I truly cannot believe it. They have taken forever and they have flown by. You are my little toddlers but I still call you my babies. You walk and talk and talk and walk!!!!






You are pretty cute! I love all the new fun discoveries you make every day.
Elizabeth. You like to walk backwards and push chairs all around the house. You have a big bump on your head right now because you fell over a chair you were pushing. You can moo and woof and gobble. Beyond adorable. You have 8 teeth!!! You LOVE to try to buckle everything you can. You say "mo-mo" from your new favorite thing- Elmo. You still love your baby and your giraffe that we call baby too. You are getting more vocal and more interested in any toy another sister is playing with. You love to be tickled. Your most ticklish spot is your back. I love your laugh and how you find cups that are Cosettes' and you will walk all they way across the house to give it back to her. You love mommas iPhone. And you have even called some people.

Cosette you love to talk. You will repeat back most anything we say. You like to talk and chat all the time. You also like to observe and see how things are done and you can copy it the first time you see mom or dad do it. You love Elmo too. Your hair is beginning to lay down. I'm sad about it. You do NOT like jackets but bows are still an everyday must have. You love to dance. Fingers are still your favorite thing in the whole world. You are my little shadow. You follow momma all around all day. You love to help out cooking. And those dimples. Mine all mine!