Mia Belle at 3 | Listen & Learn Music | Rachel Rambach

It’s official: we no longer have a toddler in our house. This big girl turned 3 years old, which ends an era for the Rambachs. And while I will miss the toddler years, I already know how much fun this next stage is thanks to her big brother.

As a fresh 3-year-old, Mia Belle’s personality is bigger and brighter than ever. She’s still a total mama’s girl, but she’s getting more and more independent by the day. I took her to a fairytale princess party over Memorial Day weekend, and she happily sat with all the other little girls in the center of the room, not minding one bit that I wasn’t in view. A little bittersweet for this mama, but I’m so proud of her for coming out of her shell.

Mia Belle at 3 | Listen & Learn Music | Rachel Rambach

Mia loves music, pretty dresses, Peppa Pig, and reading books, and above all else, ballet. Her favorite thing in the world is dancing along to music from The Nutcracker, and she has been counting down to her first ballet class (on June 11!) for over a month now. For her birthday, she asked for leotards, ballet slippers, and tights, all of which she’s keeping in a special place until she finally gets to wear them.

It’s so much fun having a little girl, but I have to admit, I wasn’t quite ready for all the super girly-girl stuff! I was never a true girly-girl even when I was little, so it’s been interesting to have one myself.

When she’s not dancing, she’s playing with her baby dolls, having tea parties, dressing up her Barbies, and dressing up herself.

Mia Belle at 3 | Listen & Learn Music | Rachel Rambach

Her big birthday gift was a balance bike, when she is learning to ride alongside her (very patient) brother. As girly as she is, luckily she isn’t phased by skinned knees and some dirt…both of which there is plenty when she’s running with the boys in the neighborhood.

Mia Belle at 3 | Listen & Learn Music | Rachel Rambach

It’s always been tricky making sure Mia Belle gets the attention she deserves as a little sister, as I’m sure any parent of more than one child can relate. Fridays are “Mommy and Mia” day, when Parker goes to school and Mia stays home with me. Our time together on Fridays is so special to both of us, and I look forward to it every week.

Mia Belle at 3 | Listen & Learn Music | Rachel Rambach

At times, it feels like Mia was just born…and at other times I can barely remember life without her. There’s no doubt that she completed our family, and I’m so excited to watch her grow up through these “big girl” years.

Mia Belle at 3 | Listen & Learn Music | Rachel Rambach