Rachael's 3rd Birthday

I know, I know. There's so much to catch up on and I promise I will eventually get all. Even if it means I'm posting about Christmas in March, I will get it all posted. 

So, today's post is all about the day Rachael officially turned THREE! She had been waiting for this day for weeks and weeks. On the morning of October 7, 2014 she woke up bright and early, tip-toed into our room and whispered [fairly loudly], "It's my birt-day!" And then she screamed with excitement, which woke David up and allowed the celebrating to really begin. We did our traditional balloons in bed to usher in the special day. I was planning to take them into her room that morning, but she woke up so early that I didn't get a chance. But, that was okay. Rachael and David absolutely loved getting to play on Mama and Daddy's bed with balloons!!

Rachael was so excited about telling us it was her birthday that she didn't even see the note and gifts from the one and only- Paci Fairy! During the night, as Rachael turned 3, the Paci Fairy came and collected all of Rachael's pacis [from her bed and her car seat]. The Fairy's note explained that she was going to give them to some newborn babies who needed them now that Rachael was a BIG girl. In exchange for the pacis, she left suckers. We had been telling Rachael about the Paci Fairy and that she would come when she turned three, so it was no big surprise. She was actually excited. The suckers helped too.

And one for David too!

Rachael thought it was a good trade.

Once we finally made it downstairs, she got to open a few presents.

Luckily, Rachael's birthday fell in the middle of Fall Break, so we didn't have to rush off to school. We could enjoy some blueberry muffins and sing Happy Birthday.

The birthday girl gave her breakfast a thumbs up.

The weather was gorgeous that day so we spent Rachael's birthday doing something she loves- playing on the playground. And most of all, the swings!

I couldn't pick just a few of my favorites, so I had to post them all.

Big brother had a great time too.

These make my heart so happy. I love when they play so nicely together. They don't always get along [if you can believe that!], but when they do, it's the best.

Back home for lunch and another round of candles and singing.

Rachael took a nap after lunch and had NO problem going to sleep without her paci. It could have been that she was completely exhausted from all the fun she had on the playground...

After dinner she got to open a few more gifts from David, Mama and Daddy, and the cards friends and family had sent.

David got a front row seat, just in case she needed help opening something.

Once all the gifts were opened, Rachael assumed her position with one of her new birthday gifts and prepared to blow out the candles one more time. This time they were on top of her special-ordered [by her] CAKE!!

Happy Birthday our amazing three year old little girl. She is incredibly smart, loves to play with her baby dolls, enjoys being outside, wants to be in charge of everything, has a tender heart, likes playing in the backyard with David, snuggling with Chief, petting Sally, buttering up her Daddy, and is still a Mama's Girl.
We love you SO much, sweetheart. HAPPY 3rd BIRTHDAY!!