Reese Turns 3

Several months ago Reese started asking for gum... She would always notice if I or Mimi or a stranger was chewing it, and would ask "Whats that in your mouth? You got gum?" I randomly told her one day that she could have gum when she turned 3, a promise she began to hold to dearly with anticipation. 

A couple of months ago we asked her what kind of party she wanted for her 3rd birthday and immediately she stated "A bubble gum party." Dillon and I smiled at each other and then realized there were actually lots of possibilities there and the planning began for a bubble party.

The morning of Saturday May 2nd rolled around, and that morning Reese came in our room at her usual 6 am and promptly asked for her gum. I gave her a gumball and she savored it all morning. We had breakfast just the 4 of us at MacDonalds then headed home to assemble everything and get ready. Reese was delighted when I showed her a dress that Mimi sent, bright neon colors with polkda dots all over. We had picked up 6 gallons of Chicago (cheddar+caramel coating) popcorn the day before so Dillon filled cups up while I set out the cake and got the kids ready.

At 830 the bounce house arrived and was set up in our backyard. We told Reese we had a special surprise, (Dillon adding in that no gum was allowed on the surprise) and each took her by the hand. It was so fun to have the house just the 3 of us goofing around and enjoying Reese. The weather was PERFECT (sunny and warm). 

We set up the bubble blower on the deck and guests said they could see the bubbles from the street, Lee woke up and our guests started arriving. Reese was already red faced and sweaty from bouncing around but her energy replinished as her friends joined her. She blew our her candle, and ate the polka dot icing off her cake and then decided she was done and wanted another gum ball. 

All in all it was the best day we could have hoped for and we had a blast making Reese feel special.

Reese, 

    I love that I get to be your mom! You have become so independent, strong and decisive. You speak up for yourself often and have become a leader. At the same time, you constantly speak kind words and have a sharp awareness of others feelings. You are an early riser and laugh easily. You are already cracking jokes which (maybe Im biased) seems advanced for just having turned 3! A common "joke" is anytime I ask what your favorite is (favorite food, favorite game, etc) you always yell "Poop!" then dissolve in laughter. There are a million things I love about you, I will always love you no matter what!

Love, Mama