Happy Birthday, Raquel!

It's hard to believe that my baby turned 4 years old today. It seems like only yesterday we were taking these pictures:







And then these:





And then the ones taken during all of the tests.

Coming out of anesthesia during the MRI...

... turning into my little Smurf for the 24-hour EEG...

... and becoming a pincushion during her allergy screen.

And now, here we are, four years later - just like that. It's amazing to think of where the time has gone. But at least the majority of tests are done, and I can display happier pictures, like their most recent school photos.

This is Raquel's very first school picture taken a couple months ago during preschool. We had no idea it was picture day, which is why her hair is such a mess, but I think the toussled look goes well with the pink tie-dye shirt!

And here's Gabby's 2nd Grade picture. She is getting way too big these days and is turning into such a little girl so fast that it catches me off guard sometimes. She continues to be the best big sister ever, oozing with patience and love for Raquel. She is also becoming more and more protective of her sister.

Raquel was a happy girl when I picked her up from school today. The assistant said she's doing good, but not off to as great of a start as the previous week ended. Oh well, everyone has their moments. Mike came home at lunch so we could celebrate her birthday then, since he'll be working late tonight. We opened a couple of gifts, played games, and decided to save the cake for after dinner. Gabby is looking forward to helping her blow out her candles.

Happy Birthday, Raquel! I love you! Keep making Mommy proud. :-)