Mallie Lynn's First day of School

Our baby girl spread her wings proudly as she waltzed into a new year of school.  

Leading up to today, she had very little hesitation about it all and seemed to meet the day with gladness.  This year feels right, she feels ready and so do I.  

 What do you mean I can't pick my wedgies in public!???

 You mean to tell me I have to use my lady like manners too?!?  What is this place!?

 Oh a place for big girls?  Well I'll fit right in!  Our little mother hen is eager to be a helper in any given situation and is excited to make new friends.  

 It helps that she is walking into the same building where big brother is sitting too.  She has requested the same snack and lunch as him each day he's been away and was awful excited to pack hers in a lunch box this morning.  So much so, that when I opened her bag to put her lunch inside I found she had already done it herself.  

I can't say I didn't shed a tear but I do feel ready for time alone with Ford and for her to blossom in a whole new way.  

 But how could you not miss a big personality like this!?

She was quite certain she would miss her brother and I know he will miss her exuberant voice throughout the day.  

 She shed not a tear, ate all her lunch, played and sang songs and greeted us with a smile and kiss on the foot for baby Ford.  Her excitement to eat her first day of school cookies couldn't have been cuter!

 Just an hour and a half later it was time to pick up her favorite person from school.  "Oh she's as cute as ever!" he exclaimed upon seeing her; and with a cheek scrunching grin she ran to give him a hug.  He picked her up and carried her in the house, and oh how I loved seeing him love her back in such a vocal way.  I know it made this day that much better for her little Henry lovin' heart.  

Of course it's hard to believe she's almost 4 and getting to be such a big girl but I feel like the fun has just begun.  Sharing moments of conversation with her and watching her love for life shine is just the best.  We love you sweet Mallie Lynn.  

Daddy daughter dance.

She loves bigger than her smile, and is the light in any room.  With a new baby in the house and a big brother who loves the center stage we certainly hope she knows how much love we have for her, because she truly melts us.  

Barry scored tickets to a special daddy daughter dance and had asked her if she would want to go with him.  For weeks she talked about it and asking us daily if it was her "Friday yet, is it daddy daughter dance yet?"

I brought home her dress one day and she could not wait to put it on to show Barry.  She picked out the perfect shoes to go with it and she loved trying them on and practicing her dance twirls.  

I know she's only three, but getting her ready for a fancy night out, fixing her hair, and seeing how excited she was to go out with her date gave me a glimpse of years to come.  

The morning of the dance she informed me she needed her nails painted, and I could have died!  I had never mentioned anything about it and it is hilarious to me that that was on her mind.  

Our light saber, super hero loving princess traded in her cape for a dress and glittery bow; nothing like a well rounded girl to knock a man's socks off.  

 and knock his socks off she did.  I'm so thankful for the father B is to our children, he is exceptional in many ways but what a perfectly loving daddy to a little girl.  This night made her feel so special and adored just as God's royal child should. 

 As excited as she was to go dance with daddy, nothing put a smile on her face like Henry hopping in for a picture.  She literally grinned ear to ear and wrapped her arms around him so tight I wasn't sure she'd let go. 

 and neither was he. 

 The night was so sweet and special, and I look forward to more daddy daughter moments like this where she learns what true love looks and feels like, knows her worth and has her expectations set high. 

So did she have fun?  Yes, but she could have done without all the cowbells.  Her favorite restaurant came in full force surving food and filling the dance floor with mascot cows on the dance floor.  She was less than comfortable with these dressed up animals walking around on two legs with top hats and tutus.  So they left that dance a bit early and headed out with a friend for some ice cream.  I think we can call it a win, and I get excited thinking of her doing it again.