Happy Birthday Princess!

Happy birthday Marlee Josephine!

Marlee turns four today!

Four!

How is it even possible for her to be four years old? 

Time is certainly getting away from me. I just brought her home from the hospital. Swaddled her in her bed. Stayed up all night with her as she cried and stared at her all day as she slept soundly. Now I prepare her for preschool and listen to her speak with such confidence and knowledge. I beg her to stay small but she isn't having it. Four going on fourteen, with the sass to prove it. 

Last year I did a little interview with Marlee and actually remember to interview her again! She is quite funny with her answers and I love picking her brain. 

What is your favorite color? Pink and teal

What is your favorite toy? My Little Pony toys

What is your favorite food? Grapes and blueberries

What is your least favorite food? Lemons

What is your favorite TV show? Wild Kratts

What is your favorite thing to eat for lunch? Blueberries and applesauce

What is your favorite snack? Fruit snacks

What is your favorite animal? Polar bears

What is your favorite song? Moana song 

What is your favorite book? Elsa book

Who is your best friend? Adalaide (I have been replaced)

What is your favorite cereal? Fruit Loops

What is your favorite thing to do outside? Drive my big truck!

What is your favorite drink? Juice

What is your favorite store? Baby Panda store

What do you want to be when you grow up? A police officer

I feel like I need to clarify that the "baby panda store" is actually Panda Express in Belden Village. I don't have the heart to tell her that there are no baby pandas in there regardless of what's on the sign. I will take this secret to my grave.  

Today we will have a small get together with rainbow cake and cookies. She will joyfully open presents and I will take a million pictures. I will imagine her staying this age forever knowing tomorrow she will be one day closer to five years old. 

But for today, she is four. She is intelligent and funny and sweet. She adores her family and loves to be outside. She is stubborn like I am and silly like her father. She cries when she has to sleep but only because she doesn't want to miss anything. She hates bugs and pasta. Yes, I gave birth to an Italian baby that hates pasta. Italian mom fail. She is artist and could paint for hours.

She is destined for great things.

Ok now for photo mania. 

Happy Birthday Marlee!

My little girl has hit the one year mark! She is officially a toddler and no longer a baby (although she will always be my baby). We had her birthday party on Sunday and it was an amazing day. It was supposed to be a small get together but once we invite family - it is never small! I mean the party had its own Pinterest board. It turned out great though. Thanks to everyone that help - especially Godmother Toni! I had no doubts that she would put together a great party for my Marlee Jo. 

I have been a little sappy leading up to her birthday (I blame hormones) but this really is a huge day for her. She has grown so much. I put together a small photo album of the last year with Marlee and it is so sweet to be able to look back at all the events in her life. From the big things like her Baptism and first Christmas, to the smaller things like her laughing with daddy and playing with brother. They all mean so much to me. And although I joke that she is a mini Satan, she really is a great girl. Her laugh is contagious and it is hard not to smile all day long when I am with her. It is a great feeling to know that Nick and I have done a good job so far raising a smart, funny, healthy, and full of personality little girl. 

Normally I would put together a Happy One Year post but I am getting Marlee some professional pictures done after we return from vacation so I am going to save that post for a little later. The pictures from Amber and Casey of Wise Capture are a million times better than any picture I can take with my iPhone. 

Here are some pictures from Marlee's big one year bash! Thanks again for everyone that came and helped get everything ready!

Cake and Presents!

Amazing cake and cookies by Emily's Tasty Treats!

(And they were absolutely amazing!)

Sharing a popsicle with brother

Cake time!

Even brother was able to 'eat' some cake!

She loved the icing. 

Cake by Emily's Tasty Treats

 Everyone gets a picture with the birthday girl!

Marlee was exhausted from all the fun.

As you can see, Marlee had a blast! I even let her stay up till eight playing with all her new toys while I hung up all her new clothes. I thought she was spoiled before - now I know she is spoiled. 

And very, very lucky to have everyone in her life.