29 years ago today

Twenty-nine years ago today, Jim and I had our first baby girl. We were just kids ourselves—I was 18, he was 21—and were ill equipped to be parents, to say the very least. But we were determined to figure it out and do right by our precious pink bundle we named Brianna.

We've messed up many times along the parenting path—sometimes egregiously so—and poor Nonner bore the brunt of many of those messes by virtue (or misfortune) of being our first. Yet somehow Jim and I did quite a bit right, too, it seems, as our sweet 6-pound, 10-ounce baby doll has grown into one of the most bright, beautiful, kind-hearted, supportive, giving, and forgiving women I know. Plus, she makes the very best cupcakes ever! (I kid you not...just take a look HERE.)

Now, in honor of her special day, I offer a musical presentation for Aunt B from Bubby, Baby Mac and their mama, just because I can:

Happy 29th birthday, Brianna! I am so thankful for you and for all you have taught me, not only about parenting but about myself, too! I love you beyond words!

Today's question:

What do you remember about your 29th birthday, the last one before the big 3-0?

Big three

Over the weekend, Bubby had his first of several celebrations scheduled for marking his third birthday. What a remarkable year it has been, filled with fun and firsts as he moved from toddler hood to the big three.

Bubby had his first move to a new home, this one with a dedicated playroom:

Bubby, Mommy, and Daddy had their first real family vacation, to Sea World:

He colored Easter eggs for the first time:

He had his tonsils and adenoids removed:

And he got his very first big-boy bike:

Through all that, he attended his very first full school year of preschool:

Then summer arrived, and Bubby took his very first swim lessons:

But the biggest change of all for Bubby as he transitioned from age two to age three, was going from being an only child to a being a big brother. All indications are that he'll do just fine:

Happy birthday to my incredible Big B! May your third year be the best yet!

Photos: Thank you to Megan for letting me steal most from her Facebook page!

Today's question:

What has been the highlight of your past 365 days?

Birthday redux

One of the great things about Megan having spring break this time of year is that she and Bubby get to share in the birthday festivities for PawDad ... as long as we stretch out the festivities until they're present. And this year we did, as the highlight of PawDad's 50th birthday was a family party at Chuck E Cheese — Bubby's first time there and PawDad's first birthday party there.

It was truly a memorable 50th birthday celebration!

Today's question:

What is your favorite birthday party spot, for children or adults?