I was thoroughly and completely spoiled on my birthday. Goodness.
Thank you. Bless you. I can’t help but wonder if my mom went around whispering in my friends’ ears, “Take her flowers.” “Yes, she likes that kind of lotion.” “Oh she’ll tell you she doesn’t want to go to lunch but she really needs it.”
My dad has been in town since Gabe’s baptism and we’ve had dinner together every night but one. The grand challenge is keeping my dad away from the dishes. My dad loves to work, but we want him to play, so the big boys elbow him away from the sink while the little ones lure him down to the basement for a game of ping pong.

I meant to save you some cake but Ben finished the last of it this morning. No worries, it’s Xander’s day tomorrow.
Um yeah, our birthday season is exhausting.
Sue
What a perfect picture of grandpa with his boys. So cute.
=)
Tracy
So glad you had a joyous day. You deserve it. Love that picture. 🙂
xoxo,t
Claudia
Happy birthday dear one! I am so glad you’ve been able to spend time with your sweet papa. I still can’t get over how many grand occasions you’ve celebrated in one months time. You do your mom proud my friend. You really do.
Me & you & Anthro coming soon!
Tiffanie
How long is your birthday season?
Debbie
My name is Debbie. I am a friend of Melinda. I came across your blog one day by accident when trying to find someone else. It was when your Christmas pictures were posted. I was amazed at how beautiful the pictures were. Ever since, I take a peek here and there. I just wanted to let you know that your blog is beautiful. Not just the pictures, but the content as well. I have 3 boys and then added a little girl at the end. I love to see your boys with your little girl. My oldest is only nine, so they are still on the younger side. This sounds so crazy and stalker-ish (believe me…I am normal…haha) but I am totally drawn to your blog and thank you for the wonderful pictures. They are beautiful and I get this overwhelming sense of peace when reading your blog. Today I cried the whole time while looking. Thank you for ruining my mascara today. 🙂 I loved the posts about how people would assume you wanted a girl. I would get the same response. But we didn’t care as well. But the news of hearing it was a girl……I know the feeling that came over you. The (secret) hope of having a girl…..The boys playing her princess games…..it is all so wonderful. My boys adore my little girl and it only brings more exictment for the future when seeing your pictures. I thank you again for your sweet spirit I get when reading your blog. Your pictures and words truly remind me to enjoy every minute!
P.S. I would love to know what kind of camera you had. It’s amazing
Annie
Man, I can’t believe how much exhausting/wonderful celebrating you have in January/February!
Your photos always remind me to get out my camera more often…not that the quality will rise to yours but just to have that documentation of the moments and those faces. Happy weekend!
Glazier5
What fun to see such a great photo of your dad and your boys! Can I send my belated birthday wishes your way??? My parents were in town and I got behind on my well wishing! I also was priviledged to see the beautiful book that your dad put together – what an amazing triubte to your mom! Enjoy the celebrations!
Denise
In this picture, your Dad looks like my grandpa (Hal). In my mind, I can see him holding Debbie and I in much the same way and with hair the same color (and yes, back then Grandpa had hair). There are big tears running down my face now… You are good at doing that to me.