Rachael's 2nd Birthday

Monday, October 7th was Rachael's official birthday. And just like her party day, I wanted to make it extra special as well. Her day was filled with sweets topped with candles and lots of singing of Happy Birthday.

As you may remember, when David turned 2, we started a tradition of filling the room with balloons to begin the special day. Rachael's 2nd birthday did not start that way, however. I didn't think she was ready for it this year. Unlike her brother, she is slow to wake up in the morning and likes to snuggle in the rocking chair with a her Mama and a book or in our bed squished somewhere between Mama, Daddy, and David. I thought all three of us yelling "Happy Birthday!" and throwing balloons everywhere might scare her and that's no way to start a birthday. So, instead we did what she likes- snuggled. 

Then we came down stairs for a special birthday breakfast. A fresh-out-of-the-oven cinnamon roll on her birthday plate, complete with candles!

We sang "Happy Birthday" , of course and just soaked it all up.

She had to get every ounce of goodness off the candles. 

Then she did a face plant right into her breakfast.

Now that her special day had arrived she could wear her "2" party hat hair bow! 

Both kids really liked Rachael's birthday breakfast!

Because it was a school day we needed to hurry and get dressed! Rachael's special clothes were fit for a birthday girl for sure. A "Birthday Girl" shirt [thanks, Ma!] and a rainbow tutu to match. 

Giving one of her babies a kiss goodbye before leaving for school.

And...now a hug for that baby.

 Out the door she goes. SO excited for school.

As I mention in the last post, I brought in a birthday "snack" for Rachael's class. Ryan and I were both able to attend her class party! Evidently, in her class the birthday girl/boy gets a special hat. Rachael was NOT interested in wearing it for very long. 

Once again she LOVED having everyone sing to her. 

I also brought a fresh fruit salad to accompany the cake. All the kids loved both.

Back at home, once again she got to blow out some candles and use her birthday plate at lunch time.






After nap time, Rachael received lots of calls from family wishing her a Happy Birthday. She really enjoyed talking to everyone.

Trying to see the person in the phone...

Finally after dinner [steak- her favorite] we had one last "cake" and singing. By this point she had become a pro at blowing out candles and needed NO help at all.






That evening she opened gifts and cards from us and the ones friends and family mailed to her.

All in all I'd say Rachael had a fantastic birthday.
I'm looking forward to the next year in her life. I know she's going to growing, learn, and change so much. She's head-strong, stubborn, and emotional, so I expect some challenging, trying moments between she and I as she grows more independent by the hour. But, she's incredibly generous with her hugs and kisses. Her morning snuggles are the best. She loves to sing. She is a GREAT "Mama" to all of her baby dolls. She still believes that a kiss from Mama can heal any scratch instantly. She's becoming more of a Daddy's Girl. She's so smart!  And she's hilarious in her own little way.
She keeps us on our toes, that's for sure. There's never a dull moment with her around and we wouldn't have it any other way.