Howe's Life: Madeline is 3!!

To celebrate turning 3, Madi managed to have a multi-day birthday party! Madeline began celebrating after the San Clemente Easter Hunt on Saturday at Grandma T's. She had cupcakes, balloons (her favorite), a pinata, and lots of presents. All of this was in the exciting rainbow theme that Madi picked out months ago on Pinterest. I had such a great time decorating her rainbow cupcakes-cake and we even put the fruit plate together as a rainbow! Matt and I feel like this is the first year that Madi really gets that it is her birthday. She kept telling people that she was turning 3, she couldn't wait to open presents, and she was jumping with excitement to blow out her candles. It was so cute, I teared up a little. Madeline was genuinely stoked on each and every present and I was reminded how loved (and spoiled) she is!

Balloons! Madi was so excited for the giant 3!

Look at all the fun and food!

Happy girl!

Rainbows!

Sisters!

"Can we please open presents nooooow?!?"

Bella guarding the deck

"Finally . . . presents!"

Getting started

Madi's birthday celebration continued with a trip to Disnelyand with Dad on Monday and then a school party on Tuesday. She took party hats and cupcakes to share with all of her friends. She told me over and over that she was going to share with "everybody" at school! Madi has decided she is a big fan of cupcakes and she ate extras for dinner Tuesday night too! Madeline was surprised with a giant cupcake and even more presents by Aunt Wendi when we got to Wisconsin. She lit up with joy at people singing to her again!

Icing balls

Baby Beth trying out her new high chair

Baby Beth in the Bjorn (yep Madi took her to church this way the day after her party)

Mom enjoying some quiet time while Madi and Daddy were at Disneyland (after Eleanor's bedtime)

Madi celebrating with her class

At 3, I can't even list all of the things Madeline does. She walks and talks (constantly). She makes these little obstacle courses out of towels and burp cloths and pillows in the living room and asks us to do them with her. She gives out "trick or treats" daily. Madi sings (loudly and constantly), she surprises me regularly with the songs she knows and how well she remembers the words. Sometimes she asks me to sing along, but usually she tells me to be quiet so she can sing by herself. Madeline definitely knows her own mind, she loves to tell us what to do, has no problem interrupting me (occasionally with a hand over my mouth), and is working on saying "excuse me" for farts, burps, or when she wants to stop Matt and I talking. Madi is mostly potty trained, but she still wears a pull-up at night and she has days here and there with tons of accidents (especially if she is having too much fun). Madeline "reads" books to us and has memorized lots of stories. Her favorites are Pinkalicious, Brown Bear, and currently Red Hat Green Hat. Madi loves her dogs and her sister. She wants Jameson to sleep in her bed every night, loves to cuddle in the mornings, and generally sleeps with as little clothing and covering as possible. Madi brushes her own teeth, picks out hers and Ella's clothing each day. I feel like she is such a great little girl, sweet, funny, and really well behaved (for a three year old). We are so lucky to have Madeline as our "little bit big" girl!