Reese began celebrating her birthday early opening her first gift from Great Aunt Sharon - I knew it was a heavy coat which she needed for school, so she got to open it early. Now I don't have a picture of the coat, but it is a black and hot pink Dora coat. It came with "Backpack" which Reese thought was the coolest thing ever. We were really impressed when we realized that "Map" was in the side pocket. That night, Reese wore Backpack for dinner, slept with her and took her to school the next day.
This week, Reese took Backpack for show and tell and told her class she got it from Ms. Sharon.
This year for Reese's birthday we celebrated 3 times (well 4 if you count her school party). For school, I sent vegan chocolate chip cookies. I know, I know, you must be thinking why in the world would I do that when they did not like the gluten free cupcakes I made last year. Well, I'll tell you why...I had planned to take cupcakes from a bakery, but Ms. Mollie asked that I bring cupcakes with little icing because it gets so messy. Well no bakery makes cupcakes with little icing. Then I thought about Jordan, a girl in Reese's class, and how she can't eat eggs. I knew the chocolate chip cookies were good because I've made them before and they wouldn't be messy plus Jordan could eat them too. When I picked up Reese, the teachers immediately told me how good the cookies were and how they and the kids loved them. The container came home empty, so I know they were a hit! Yay!!! The recipe is from the vegan cookbook called Babycakes NYC by Erin McKenna
http://www.babycakesnyc.com/books.htmlSo, the next party began Friday evening. Reese got a phone call from both Aunt Alyssa and Aunt Ashley.
Then when Daddy got home, Reese got to open one gift from us and GiGi. She got a clock!
Just like she had asked for. I could not find a green one, but I figured white would work for now and it would be cute with her white furniture in her room.
GiGi gave her an even cooler gift, a Teacup Piggy. She was so excited as she had also asked for this toy. It is really cute and says she funniest things like, "New clothes, must have!" and "LOL". Her name is Princess.
After opening 2 gifts we headed out for dinner. Apparently Friday night (even when it is cold) is the night everyone goes out. We must have forgotten because it took us three tries to find a restaurant that didn't have an hour wait. Goode Company Taqueria has become our "old standby" ever since Lane's birth. It's "goode" and fast, but on this particular Friday night it was also crowded. We had to wait for a table, but we finally got one.
Reese loves the chips and queso.
I love the chicken fajita tacos and the chips too!
Lane wanted to be held so he could see all of the action.
We decided to bring the cake home as it was too crazy to eat it at the Taqueria. This cute "baby cake" is from Dessert Gallery. It was perfect for our little celebration.
Reese was so so so cute when we sang to her. She just had this look that brought tears to my eyes. She knew it was all about her being 3.
She likes to say, "I am going to be 3 in January!" This week she started holding up three fingers, her thumb, index and middle finger to show how old she is.
Just look at that smile. Love it!!
She totally knew how to blow out the candle.
The candle looked good enough to eat, unfortunately, it was not edible.
So we had to wipe the wax off her tongue. Haha!
The next morning, we all went to MaMa Pat's for Reese's "green party". It was a small family brunch. Pat decorated the house so cute. Reese and I loved it!
Reese got some great gifts from MaMa Pat, GiGi, Grandma Ruth, Chris, Scott & Lauren and Mommy, Daddy & Lane.
Lane took a little nap while Reese opened her presents.
A green frog hat to match her frog swimsuit.
Is that "We Did It Dora?"
Another one that she had insisted on.
Thank you Uncle Chris!
She and Aunt Lauren read some of her new books while Uncle Chris and MaMa Pat got the Dora doll ready to dance.
Reese likes what she sees!
Time to dance with Dora!
Lane woke up to eat and see what all the commotion was about.
Then it was time for the infamous RJ Goodies cupcakes!
Got to love cake and ice cream! Reese had two helpings of the mint chocolate chip.
That afternoon Meghan and Maggie surprised us with a quick visit and a cool Cars toy. The girls had a great time playing paint shop with Ramone.
That night we took a picture of Reese in her new ladybug pj's and sent it to Aunt Meghan to thank her for them.
We just love anything ladybug!
And Sunday was the BIG party! We teamed up with Reese's school friend Saige and had a joint party at Pump It Up.
Reese had a blast!
As did GiGi.
And Mommy too. Daddy had lots of fun, but we didn't get any pics of him.
The theme was green and purple penguins.
The birthday girls enjoying pizza and red punch. Next time, we'll get the boxed juices instead. I think Reese spilled her drink at least 3 times.
We had 25 of their closest school and non school friends at the party! It was wild, but everyone had a great time!
Reese's shy shoulder hug look.
They got to cute the first piece themselves.
It was delish! We were not caked out yet...even though this was our third time.
We took the gifts home, but didn't open them all until today. Reese was so overwhelmed and our house was so full of gifts from her other party that we had to wait a week.
At 3, Reese is:
1. Loving Toy Story 3 - she says, "It's 3 like me". We watch it once a day like we used to do with Cars. We tried to watch Toy Story 2, but the crazy man scared her. We hope to watch the original Toy Story soon. ;)
2. Reese says, "So Mom, ______." "So Mom, where's my ladybug purse?"
3. She is sleeping well in her bed, but still doesn't go right to sleep. She is usually in bed by 9:00 but doesn't fall asleep until 10:30. No wonder she takes 2.5 hour naps at school.
Reese you amaze me every day with your imagination, vocabulary and independence. You have the most beautiful brown eyes and wavy hair and a personality all your own. You love to help Mommy and Daddy do everything and you prefer that things are a certain way - very particular we might say. At school, you love doing anything at the table such as puzzles, art work or Mr. Potato Head. Your teachers say you take your time and really concentrate on your work. You love all of your school friends and they love you - they call you Reesie. I joined you at tumble bus last week and was pleased to see how well you minded Mr. Dirk and stayed in line when he asked. When I left you told Mr. Dirk that I would be back to pick you up after your snack. You have the best giggle I have ever heard and you just laugh your way right through your tumble bus work out. We absolutely love watching you grow and change every day. You have the best smile and biggest heart. You are our first love child and our favorite girl.
Happy 3rd Birthday!
The front runners ran by around 8:00 a.m. this morning. I think this is the half way point in the route based on what I heard the spectators saying.
