FREEEEE!

I still need to go back and fill in the gaps of the past couple weeks (including Ruby's birthday) but since my baby turned three yesterday I figured I'd highlight our Bear in this post!

"I'm freeeeeee!"  Ada is so excited to be three.  Ever since Ruby's birthday three weeks ago, she has been looking forward to her own special day.  She requested Mickey/Minnie cupcakes and "free" candles she could "phhhhhhh" out!

Having just moved and being sick earlier in the week, we didn't make any big plans for Ada's big day but had a great day celebrating and spending time as a family.  We don't know a whole lot of people here yet, but we did invite some neighbors/friends for cupcakes, unfortunately they couldn't make it.  (I'm realizing just how important Baylor football is in Waco... everyone was going to the game Saturday afternoon!)  Luckily, Ada didn't mind.  She and Ruby woke up excited and ready to open presents.

From Fall 2014

 As the packages arrived in the mail I told her she had to wait for her birthday to open them.  She kept telling me, "But I want to see what's in it!"  We had a little Mickey/Minnie theme and she got some Minnie toys and a Minnie shirt from Mom and Dad, as well as, playdough, new crocs, bath colors, and stickers.  Ada was also spoiled by all of her loved ones far away.  We all had fun playing with her new games, books, stickers, puzzles, and floor piano.  She had a blast on her own scooter and a fun pogo stick! Ada on a Pogo from Steven Nelson on Vimeo.
 Ada requested mac-n-cheese and frozen peas for dinner.  At first I thought I'd make some yummy homemade mac-n-cheese, but quickly came to my senses and realized she'd be much happier with the boxed kind.  At least it was an easy dinner to make!  We had Mickey cupcakes on Minnie plates and she couldn't have been happier.

From Fall 2014

 After a bright pink bubble bath, I asked Ada if she had a good birthday and she said, "I want to have another birthday!"  I told her she had to be three for awhile first!
Ada's 3rd Birthday from Steven Nelson on Vimeo.

Funny story:  We went out to dinner Friday night at a local pizza place that had good reviews.  It was a little hole-in-the-wall place, but packed and pretty good.  As soon as we sat down Ruby filled the waitress in on names and ages, letting her know it was Ada's birthday the next day.  As we finished our meal the waitresses came over to our table and announced, "Attention, we have a birthday girl here!  Please join us in singing 'Happy Birthday' to Ada!"  The entire restaurant cheered and sang to our Bear while she sat there grinning away.  (Big sister Ruby ran and hid behind my back during the spectacle!)  And as soon as we finished singing Ada dove into the chocolate cake they brought!

Ada at Three from Steven Nelson on Vimeo.

Ada at Three:
Stats:  We had Ada's check-up before we moved.  With the exception of the shots, it went well.  Ada weighs 33 lbs (80%) and is 37'' tall (77%).  She is  happy and healthy, what more can you ask for.  The pediatrician suggested a possible speech eval once we got settled here just to get a SLP's opinion, but she really has been talking more and more clearly.  Her teacher says she can always understand what she says so that is a good sign!
Eat:  Carbs and sweets!  Ada loves mac-n-cheese, pasta, bread, and cereal.  She'll eat most fruits and any sweets.  She also loves hot dogs, brats, and sausage- you wouldn't believe how much she can eat!  Veggies are not her strong suit- frozen peas top the (short) list.  She still loves milk but currently enjoys drinking water from the fridge!
Sleep:  Since moving Ada's sleep habits haven't been great.  She was typically in bed by 7:30 and up between 6 and 6:30, but she'd crawl in bed with us and snuggle for awhile most mornings.  She's had a rough time falling asleep in her new bedroom, so it's usually 8 (or later) before she's quiet and she's still up around the same time (too early!).  Ada naps for about an hour and a half after lunch.  Quite impressively, she even naps well at preschool!
Play:  Ada isn't super into any specific toys, but really loves to play with Ruby, doing whatever her big sis wants to play.  She has become more interested in coloring and loves stickers.  She'll also sit and look at books or be read to for longer periods of time.  Ada is getting pretty good at puzzles, loves playdough, and watching movies.  She likes running around the house, playing outside, and riding bike/scooter.
Personality:  From the very beginning Ada has been a happy, silly girl.  The smile never goes away and she often brings Ruby and I to giggles!  She is becoming more persistent and opinionated like someone else we know.  She is sweet as pie and the world's best snuggler.