Big Girl Day

Today has been a celebration all about Ella becoming a "Big Girl!" Last night was the last time with her paci. And yes, she will be 3 years old in 11 days. We had planned to take the paci away at 18 months but when that time rolled around we brought a newborn home. And we were not looking for another reason to lose sleep! So for about a week we have been prepping her about saying goodbye to her paci, being a BIG girl, having a birthday, and being 3 years old.
Side note - I was totally willing to let her sleep with her paci at naptime today. I figured we'd all need her to get some sleep before the terror that would ensue tonight. However when she awoke this morning she met me at her gate just like this...

 And continued ahead of me on her way to the trash can.

So what does one do on a "Big Girl Day?" After breakfast we all headed to the library to choose some big girl books to check out.

 
She is not a believer of "don't judge a book by it's cover." That is in fact the only reason she will pick one up. And when the Librarian overheard our conversation about why she was there she dove in to help in all the excitement. Ella proceeded to tell her "I lookin for a purple book!" And after being there 2 seconds this is the first book she picked up.

"Jacy's search for Jesus"

The sweet Librarian brought us book after book about big girls, birthdays, and the beach. Ella had to run to the table and scan each one. If it wasn't purple she scanned a little quicker. Some she even shared with her brother.

 

She was so excited about her book choice she wanted to read it during the 3 minute ride home.

When we got home and put lil brother down for a nap she made some homemade chocolate chip cookies. She did it ALL! And I have to say, she barely made a mess.

After we finished mixing everything, I introduced her to the prize of licking the paddle. I told her she could lick it and this is the face she gave me...

This face means: "Mom, are you serious?"

And when I encouraged her...

She DOVE in!

So much so that she leaned on the counter to rest while licking it.

And continuing our cookie baking.

She was SUPER nervous about the heat

Not only did she love cooking but immediately scooted herself to the sink to take care of the dirty dishes. So glad to know I can take a day off since she can cook and clean all by herself.

We had a surprise visit from Papa. He wanted to celebrate"Big Girl Day" with us and brought some goodies.

Notice how Micah is climbing the stairs in the above picture. But seconds later...

He is front and center trying to trade a toy for more cheetos.

And it warms my heart to see Papa teaching her to catch a ball. Just as he did me at her age. This is a super special picture to me! I remember that same encouraging face.

After we ate dinner she got to help daddy pick vegetables from the garden!! She was super excited about this! She is always trying to sneak in the garden and dig around. She loved that she got to pick tomatoes while we kept chasing Micah out of the garden as he was trying to pull up the plants.

Crossing the barrier

poor "babies" can't come in

We stopped for a little ice cream which is always a hit! Thank you, Papa.

Micah is loving the perks of "Big Girl Day"

And Rocky and Apollo ending the day rocking their robes.

So far we are 2 for 2 with bedtime and no pacis.  No emotional breakdowns. No more time stalling than usual. Thank you, Jesus!!

And tomorrow's reward for a successful night is ice cream at Chick-fil-a!