Sweet P Turns 3

As soon as Christmas decorations began going up around the neighborhood this year, Paula pointed them out and declared, with enthusiasm: "They're decorating Christmas! For my birthday! Christmas is close to my birthday." I guess at some point last year, her mind started associating her birthday with the mega-holiday, since she turned two just a few days before December 25. I am not sure if she actually believed the decorations were specifically for her, but it was quite adorable to see her amplified excitement every time she saw anything Christmas-related.

There will likely be a time when Paula is less enthusiastic about her December birthday, but this year I decided to take advantage of her joyful attitude about Christmas-y birthdays and planned a gingerbread-theme party the Saturday before her big day.

Paula and her sisters colored some wooden gingerbread cutouts to use as table centerpieces.

Thanks to the internet, I figured out how to make some graham cracker houses for decorating.

We also added some sequins and googly eyes to playdough gingerbread people . . .

. . . and made some gingerbread people out of paper and stickers, too.

Three guests were able to attend the party. Mika and Ramona were a huge help, providing some much-needed one-on-one attention for tiny hands as we completed the little projects.

At one point, we took a break from the craft table to play some pin-the-nose-on-Rudolf.

There was yet another break from the craft table to watch a show about Jingle the husky pup.

And, finally--edible cookies! Not authentic gingerbread, just sugar cookies, but sweet and festive just the same.

Here is Paula with her french toast and blueberry breakfast the morning of her actual birthday.

After getting dressed and playing with her baby brother . . .

. . . and spending some time with Paca, who was visiting . . .

. . . she got to go out for ice cream with Paca and Daddy and pick out a birthday balloon.

This year, she was lucky enough to have Jii and Baachan visiting on her birthday, too. For dinner, I made her favorite--pepperoni pizza.

Next, our little three-year-old opened some gifts. Ramona and Mika were very eager to help.

 One of Baachan's gifts was decorated with a pretty pink  paper fan.

 Cupcakes and ice cream were last, with three pink candles on top.

 At the end of the day, Paula seemed pleased as could be with her little monster-feet slippers (a gift from Teresa) and her many other thoughtful presents. I hope she felt special!

Dear Paula,
   You have grown up so much in the past year. I am so proud of you for learning so many letters and numbers, trying new foods, and recognizing the importance of sharing and playing nicely with your sisters. I love your candid assessment of our family life and how you try so hard to do things right. I can always count on you to be honest with me. Thank you for bringing me so much joy and for your precious cuddles. You will always be my little doll.

Love
Mommy