Chi-Chi's Birthday Party

Let me explain "Chi-Chi"--We often call Rachel by the nickname Rachie so when she says it, it comes out "Chi-Chi." That is how she says her name. She'll say, "It's Chi-Chi's turn" or "Yea, Chi-Chi". It's very cute to hear her say it, but I hope she doesn't grow up thinking her name is Chi-Chi!

Anyway, we had a great time at Rachel's birthday party this afternoon. Before officially starting the party we were able to see and talk to Uncle Byron, Aunt Diana, Kate, and Lindsay on Nana's webcam! That was very cool! The weather was REALLY cold and there were snow flurries causing some roads to be slick. Unfortunately, Rachel's best buddy, Izzie, couldn't make it to the party. We were sad she couldn't come, but we wanted she and her mommy to stay safe. The theme of the party was Sesame Street. I made some appetizer mini pizzas because we all know that pizza is Elmo's favorite food! There was a bowl of goldfish crackers to snack on in honor of Elmo's goldfish, Dorothy. We had chocolate chip cookies from Cookie Monster and cake and ice cream, of course! Rachel was being kind of mellow and shy at first, but started to perk up after getting some cake in her belly! She loved looking at the birthday cards that came with her presents. As you can see in the slide show, Rachel made out with some awesome gifts. One of the best gifts was from Papa. He made her a book shelf for her many books! MaJeanne made the fabric to put on the bookshelf. After opening her presents, Rachel gave Reese, Diego, Jack, and Josh their goody bags. Included in the goody bags were Colorful Crayons from Elmo, Goldfish Crackers from Dorothy, Magic Dough from Abby Cadabby, a Yummy Cookie from Cookie Monster, and Bubbly Bubbles from Ernie.

I can't believe Rachel is already 2 years old. Time is passing so quickly! She is so much fun and has a sweet, but sassy, personality! She amazes me by what she knows already. When she was about 21 months old, I noticed that she could identify many of the capital letters and numbers to 10. I think Sesame Street had something to do with this! (-: Now she can identify all the capital letters, some of the lowercase letters, and numbers to 10. She can say the alphabet in order by herself and can do a few of the letters in sign language. (She doesn't know the alphabet song, yet.) She can count to 13 by herself. Rachel sees letters and numbers all the time everywhere we go. She LOVES to read books and remembers most things after hearing or seeing them only one time. It's unbelievable to me!

Today was a fun and happy day because we got to celebrate the 2nd birthday of Rachel, but it was also a sad day because it is the due date of the baby we lost in June. I've actually had a good day today--the days before today were difficult at times. I wear a ring with a forget-me-not flower and December birthstone to remind me never to forget my baby. I know I never will, but I wanted something to represent a daily reminder of him or her. I know God has a plan and I am trusting Him. I know He is taking care of my baby until I can get there to hold him or her myself.

HAPPY 2ND BIRTHDAY, RACHEL!!! WE ARE PROUD OF YOU AND LOVE YOU VERY MUCH!!!