I'm a little behind on this post, but honestly, Hailey turning 3, Hailey starting preschool and me turning 40 in a span of 6 days is a lot for anyone to process. Hailey's birthday always comes with a lot of emotions and a lot of reflection. We weren't positive those first 24 hours if she was going to make it. Her lungs were weak and full of fluid. We didn't know how strong her heart was and we had been steamrolled with a Down syndrome diagnosis. The past two birthdays, I cried. The deep, soul cleansing sobs. I didn't have that this year. I've forgiven myself for my reaction to her having Down syndrome. As I've said before, I was uneducated about Ds, but never once was it an issue that I didn't love my daughter. Just like the boys, she had a firm hold on my heart long before she made her debut into the world.
Her birthday was low key this year. We celebrated a couple of times before her birthday (once with each side of the family) and then the 5 of us on her actual birthday. It is so fascinating to see the changes in her this year. She had just started walking last year for her birthday. Didn't seem too interested in presents, but did love her cake. This year, she knew exactly what the presents were and who they were for. She tried opening them...several times throughout the day. She sings Happy Birthday with us and beams when we said her name. She even blew out the candles.
I will have to say, who ever came up with the term "Terrible Twos" didn't make it to 3 yet. Hailey has been a monster child since Wednesday. Her favorite place is her brother's loft bed. Yes, great motor skills in climbing the ladder but a good way to give her mother a heart attack. She now thinks she can use scissors for anything and everything she wants to open (yes, the scissors have been moved to higher ground). We had our first massive tantrum in church this week. Her nickname Hurricane doesn't quite seem destructive enough. The boys both went through similar "issues" when they turned 3 so I will be looking forward to it taming itself a little!
Here are a few (maybe more than a few) pics of Hailey celebrating her 3rd birthday.
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| Hailey & mom spent the day with Hailey doing whatever she wanted to. |
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| Doc Hailey gave me a full check up. |
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| The nice worker in the bakery dept gave her two cookies. He knew the way to her heart! |
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| Trying to steal some icing. |
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| Singing Happy Birthday |
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| The best we could do with this crew |
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| Landon was quite happy with his cake |
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| She likes presents |
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| Every outfit she received she had to hold up and say "pretty" |
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| Hailey is not a fan of "less is more" |
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| Hailey with her doll Ellie who also sports an extra chromosome |
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| Blowing out her candles, but it looks like she is giving mom the stink eye |
Looks like she had a wonderful celebration! I actually didn't think 2's were bad at all....it was the 3's for us. Once Owen really started communicating more (realizing that he could get what he wanted most of the time if he just tried to ask), those big tantrums went away. He still has his moments now, but he is working on learning to handle it when he isn't allowed to do or have something whenever he wants. It's all a process.
ReplyDeleteThe tantrums are fortunately few and far between. It is the nonstop, mischievousness...scissors, Brayden's top bunk, the pantry door, etc. I hope it gets better as the year goes on :-) Yes, it is a process!
DeleteHappy birthday, Doc. McHailey! I see she loves her Ellie doll :) Happy birthday to you as well! So. . .uh yeah, we are in the terrible 4s.
ReplyDeleteShhhh....don't tell me that! Knock on wood, 4s were better with the boys, I'm crossing my fingers that she follows their footsteps ;-)
DeleteLove her! I'm so glad she got the Ellie doll. Happy Birthday to Hailey and to you!
ReplyDeleteThank you :-) We are keeping Ellie up for the time being. We only bring her out a little at a time. Trying to protect Ellie :-)
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