Welcome to the thriving thirties!

I must say this was one of the best birthdays ever. Reagan actually understands a little bit about birthdays and so the excitement in our home built up for two days. I was personally more excited than usual to have a birthday just to watch her. I even made sure to have a birthday cake and I don't really like cake or frosting but I had to have a cake that Reagan would recognize and we could blow out candles together. I am jumping ahead and I really should give the day credit and start from the beginning.

January 23rd 8pm - both girls are in bed asleep. This is a very uncommon thing in our home. At least one of the girls is still up at this time.

January 24th 6:30am - Reagan wakes up and Marcus gets up with her while I lay in bed and realize that my baby just slept 11 hours for the first time. This was a gift in its own. Even better, Reagan didn't wake up at all. We actually got some rest in our house... except for the two times I got up to check on my sleeping girls to make sure they were still breathing:).

Reagan and Marcus made breakfast together. They went all out and made waffles with strawberry syrup and whipped topping, sausage, eggs and juice. It was great. Marcus presented me with my first two presents of the day... a new planner for the year and the best gift of all... a book he made with letters from most of my good friends and family. It is amazing and took a lot of work I am sure.

Marcus took the morning off from school and we had a lazy but good morning. Around 11am we took Marcus to school so he could catch his only class of the day. Reagan and I did a couple of things around the house and then left again to pick Marcus up and head out to FairOaks Farms (about 45 minutes north of us).

We had never been to this farm but heard it was pretty cool. I really enjoyed it. I am sure my dad is reading this shaking his head as he grew up on a dairy farm but I guess that is how it goes. We watched them milk cows, learned about how to take care of cows, and even watched a cow give birth. Other than a major blowout from Ainsley, the day went off without a hitch. Luckily we had spare clothes for her so it wasn't a big deal.

Once we got home, we had a quick dinner and then some cake (the classic german chocolate cake with the homemade coconut frosting... for childhood memories sake). I also received the rest of my presents (money for a "real" knife from my mom and dad, an edited version of "Sweet Home Alabama" also from my mom, some new sunglasses from Marcus and Reagan, and a new alarm clock from Marcus - I think he is hoping I will start using it now).

Seriously, it was a great day and I felt very loved. There is nothing quite like your two year old telling everyone it is Mommy's birthday and singing Happy Birthday to you throughout the day. Marcus worked hard to make it a special day and it really was. Thanks Babe!