Sheila's 4th birthday

Mario had to travel for work this week (last time before the baby arrives!) So we were very sad that he would miss Sheila's actual 4th birthday. To make up for it, we celebrated early on Sunday. It turns out that Sheila is already too aware of things and that she knew she wasn't actually 4 yet. Celebrating on Sunday felt like walking around with two left shoes on your feet. Still, she got her specials decorations, the crepes she requested for breakfast, a special lunch, and she selected pumpkin pie for dessert. I combined this request with Joey's request to make a pumpkin pie from scratch using one of our little pumpkins. It was really fun to make it and also fun to eat.

So then on her REAL birthday, she was really ready to party. She had pink scrambled eggs (funny how the color really affects whether or not you think you'll like something) and pancakes in special shapes. She then went to the Franzonello's house while I volunteered with reading groups in Joey's classroom. Tara, Andrew, and James treated her very well.

Then we went to my OB appointment at 11:30 only to learn that when I changed times I got the time messed up and had to return at 2 for my scheduled appointment. We grabbed a quick bite to eat to recover from this mishap and enjoyed our meal outdoors on the beautiful day!

Then back to the midwives with a potentially overtired Isabel, but the girls really do enjoy the OB appointments and were so well-behaved. Sheila loves to hear her brother's heartbeat, and Isabel likes to hold my hand when they measure my belly. Everything is looking great and he is head-down as he should, for those who would like to keep track.   Exactly 6 weeks to go (although, I'm banking on 7).

While Isabel napped and we waited for the boys to return from school, Sheila helped me decorate her cake. She had some very specific details in mind, and I think our pinkest cake ever turned out to be very fun. She played more outside and then we dropped MJ off at piano (who deserves his own post from all that he has accomplished). Meanwhile we prepared her dinner selection of Dijon Mustard Chicken, orzos, and steamed broccoli.

She was so thankful for all her gifts, phone calls, and love from everyone. This girl really enjoyed her 4th birthday. I do remember being 4, and I think it's going to be a very fun year!

4 years of Sheila

God, who knew Sheila before she was born, sure made someone special. We love you, Sheila - our sweet, thoughtful, spunky, intelligent, athletic, and beautiful little girl.