Harper | 3 Years -

When I was growing up, I spent countless hours sitting in front of our screen door, watching for family to show up for my birthday party. I was always so anxious to see everyone! Yes, the notion that I was going to end up with presents that day played a big factor, but even back then, I just loved being with my family. Being with the people who love and cherish me most, what better way to spend a birthday?!

So imagine my surprise and delight when Harper woke up on Saturday morning, eager for her party but not for the reason I expected. After all, Jackson and all her friends at school kept talking about how birthdays are exciting because you get presents. There were also endless questions of what she wanted that she was unable to give a solid answer to – which made it nearly impossible for this mama to put together a list of gift ideas!

So when I scooped up that eager girl to head down for breakfast, I asked her what she was so excited for. And she told me she was ready for Grammy and Grandpa and Joe and Auntie Natalie and Uncle Matt, and Auntie Shelly…and on and on she went until she’d listed all her favorite people. Not decorations, not presents, not cake, but spending her birthday with those she loves the most. I even caught her in some reflection time of her own, watching out the windows as time ticked away until everyone arrived.