Sunday, November 15, 2009

Metamorphosis

Our Talia Lily turned three today. It's hard to believe another year has passed already--kids should come equipped with "pause" buttons! I confess that I'm grateful Eli's a boy so that Talia can remain my baby girl. It's hard to imagine a more affectionate child. She is so full of hugs, kisses, and cuddles that they literally explode out of her. Her slight frame just can't hold all of the love in--it tumbles exuberantly out, smothering whatever crosses her path. I find it kind of ironic that she gets in the most trouble for this excess of affection. After all, puppies and babies alike can get strangled by even the most well-intentioned of bear hugs. Still, I learn so much by watching how deeply she cares. My day simply can't begin without a kiss from my Tally Wally Doodle, despite the inevitable smear from her constantly schnootzy nose.

For Talia's birthday, we held a caterpillar/butterfly party. In some ways, she reminds me of the very hungry caterpillar, greedily gobbling up life. Wild with enthusiasm, she jumps into everything without missing a moment. Constantly in motion, I usually see her as a blur of music and dance. Yet every once in a while she slows down enough for me to realize that like the caterpillar, she's morphing before my eyes. There are moments when I am stunned by her beauty. I realize that the creeping infant of three years ago has turned into a precious little girl; she, like the butterfly, has wings to fly free.

I hope you enjoy these photos from our party. I think I'll let the pictures tell their own story.

















Happy Birthday, Talia!

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

A wonderful party! The only thing missing was tic-tac-time ... Bye, Bye.

Talyn said...

Oh, how sweet. I admit I feel drawn to her because people used to call me "Tally-Wally-Doodle."

Tanja said...

I cannot believe it ... time just flies :) Thank you for sharing the pictures.

Crys said...

Looks like a super fun party! Wish we could have been there. We didn't end up in Chicago...Grace and Sadie both woke up pretty sick...which is why we didn't walk over to your place either. Nothing says, "Happy Birthday" like passing on contagions disease right :)

Julie L said...

What a cute idea! Looks like the kids were all having a great time, and Talia is just too cute for words! Happy Birthday to her!

Susie said...

Happy Birthday, Talia. It sounded like a GREAT party! What a wonderful and creative mom you have!

Chou said...

I love the cocoons!

jennybhill said...

Your family puts on a great party!! Too bad I couldn't convince Spencer to have his face painted as a butterfly, but he sure loved his cocoon. We're still enjoying those slingshot bugs, by the way.