Saturday, October 24, 2009

Macie turned 3 last weekend. Unfortunately for her she had to ride in her car seat for 12 hours on our way home from South Carolina, but she didn't seem to mind. She watched The Berenstein Bears over and over and over again while chomping down pretty much an entire box of Cocoa Puffs. :)

I am a little late, but it is never too late for some birthday love. Macie entered our family 3 years ago and I cannot even imagine life without her. She was very much a bundle of joy and has continued to be that every single day since then. Jamie told me yesterday that I am one of the luckiest people in the world because I get to hang out with her all day and experience her little world. I can't argue with him. I am pretty blessed. I love this age and all the personality that comes with it. One of my favorite things to do is to watch or listen to her play or interact with her best friend, Puppy. Puppy has been with Macie since day one, thanks to the Petersons, and it did not take long for them to become the best of friends.



In the early days, puppy did have some competition for Macie's affection. Jamie tried very hard to manipulate who would claim the role of Macie's most prized possession (he would put her arm around her Buckeye bear every night while she was sleeping), but over time Puppy came out as her closest pal. Puppy has been there every night and every nap as Macie has laid down to go to sleep. It is not an option for her to go to sleep without him. I remember trying to pass off a similar color bear to Macie one night, after I had been searching for puppy way too long with no luck, but she would have nothing to do with it. I eventually found him and she contentedly went to bed. Puppy has offered his ear for her to rub and even his own nose for her to suck on so that she could drift into sleep. I eventually had to remove his nose as it was a choking hazard for Mace, but they have remained the best of friends.

In recent days, Puppy has taken on more of a real life role in Macie's life. He is no longer just her sleeping companion, but he has become her baby that we hold or rock or her support as she tries to go potty and as you can see from the pics below he is her #1 playmate almost anywhere we go. I am a huge fan of the book the Velveteen Rabbit and Puppy has nearly joined the ranks of a real animal. :)

So Happy Belated Birthday Macie and Puppy. Macie I wish for you that you continue to bring joy, laughter and life to all the people that you meet and that you continue to grow into the amazing little girl God has created you to be. And Puppy I wish you another year of love from Macie, which hopefully does not include anymore lost body parts. :(




"In good times....



and bad times...



I'll be on your side forevermore...



That's what friends are for"

6 comments:

Amy said...

Awww...that was beautiful... :)
I think Alex's "Arf" is in the same boat as Macie's "Puppy". They are two loved dogs!

Lisa said...

she is one incredible little girl, the mace. eric and i felt so lucky to be able to spend some time with her on her birthday weekend :) eric always has had quite the soft spot for her :) and how could you not? :)

Unknown said...

Oh Gretchen. This made me want to know your little bundle so much. She sounds like such a delightful child. Although, I don't know how you and Jamie could ever produce anything but a delightful child : )

Puppy is so special. And so lucky to have a constant companion in your baby. I can not even believe that she is 3. 3 seems so old....

How does this keep happening. The growing. Kaish is turning 11 in January.

I am glad you could celebrate her birthday together. That is the most important thing! : ) Berenstein Bear reruns or not! Kaish actually loves them. His friend, Jonathon, told him the other day that he was too old to like the Berenstein Bears and he said, "I don't think you can ever be too old for Berenstein Bears Jonathon" It was funny.

I wish we were neighbors. I miss you. I am glad you are so lucky and you can spend each and every day with such a wonderful daughter! That is spectacular!

Oh, and PS I actually had to get a MAGNIFYING glass out of the closet to try to see the first picture. I am DEAD serious : ) That is tiny as can be!

But I am giving you an A plus for effort of actually having a picture!

LOVE the seesaw ones. Splendid!

Unknown said...

PSS Halloween costumes at I Heart Faces... Now come on. I know you've got something spectacular on your computer with old halloween costumes... : )

Full of JOY said...

I do remember a night where Puppy was lost. It wasn't pretty! =) And yes, I still have my blankie. I gave it to Chuck the morning of our wedding. ;)

Anonymous said...

It sounds like you have one sweet three year old! and she has one neat puppy!