A Good Life . . .

Quote

"My happy birthday again, later after Audrey."

- Amelia 

If the ears fit . . .

For Amelia's second birthday, we embraced her love of Mickey and Minnie.  In addition to adorning the birhtday girl with ears, I decorated some photos with ears as well.  An idea that I must credit to Stephanie who did something similar on Creed's second birthday.

I made customized gift bags with t-shirts to match.

And, the birthday cake was adorned with ears (and polka dots).

The girls could barely wait for the boys to arrive (Charlie and James - two of Amelia's best friends).  This photo is not staged . . . they were literally waiting at the door.

They had fun with the balloons and with exploring Amelia's toys . . .

but they had the most fun with a game they called "Crash!" To an adult it's a baby doll stroller.  To a two year old, it's a vehicle for crashing (with a friend in it, of course)!

We quietly sang "Happy Birthday," and cake and ice cream were enjoyed by all.

Gifts were opened and many, if not all were immediately tested out.

I personally like the second birthday.  It's an age when activities are not needed for the party and it's really just about enjoying the event together.  Thanks to all who joined us and made it such a special day!

72 degrees or 27 degrees

Having a March birthday is a toss-up when it comes to the weather.  You could be celebrating with a sunny, warm day at 72 degrees, or it you could be bundled up in your winter coat, hat and gloves at 27 degrees, and wondering when, oh when, will the winter end.

Amelia got the latter this year.  But her gift was more suited for the former.  So, we found ourselves filling a sand table in our dining room.  I know, I know, many parents will shake their heads in disbelief.  But come on, you can't give a girl a sand table for her birthday and not fill it!

She LOVED it, and immediately started making sand castles and cakes.  In fact, she loved it so much, that when it was time to change her diaper, she insisted on doing it on the top to the sand table.  She looks pretty proud of herself doesn't she!

It might have been the most fun we've had getting ready for work and school.  And definitely the most times we've had the broom and dustpan out before 8 a.m.

I must say, I love trying to make my girls' birthdays as special as possible.  We put balloons in their rooms before they wake up.  I make a banner for the mantle downstairs.  And I make sure they have a special birthday outfit to cover in spaghetti and ice cream sundae.  

More pictures of that sweet birthday face covered in spaghetti and ice cream will be posted soon!

Ice Cream Sundae Smirk

Amelia Ann Turns Two

Two years ago, right around this time, I was getting checked into the hospital.  The memory is crystal clear . . . well most of it.  I distinctly recall having just put the sheet in Amelia's crib.  I walked downstairs to do something on the computer (I don't recall what it was, but it must have been important since it was past 11:00).  I sat down at the desk and almost immediately, my water broke.  I calmly walked upstairs and whispered to David, "Um, sweetie.  I know you just went to bed, but we need to go to the hospital."  I must admit, it's kind of a fun power you have as a pregnant wife telling your husband that it's time. Two words describe it pretty succinctly - "Undivided Attention."

As I look back on the call to Mom and Ken to come take care of Audrey, the drive to the hospital, the 12 hours of rather comfortable labor (thank you epidural), I can't help but think of how unprepared I was.  How surprised I would be for at least the next year . . . if not longer.  I thought for sure Amelia was a boy - I was wrong.  I thought for sure two kids wouldn't be as hard as everyone said it was - I was wrong.  I thought surely the second child would be just a easy as the first - I was wrong.  And yet, I wouldn't change one thing.  And amazingly, I don't remember the details of the more challenging times.  I remember that Amelia's strong will was evident from the very beginning, and I remember thinking, "What are you getting so worked up about?"  But I don't remember any specifics.  Life's beautiful that way.  

I remember her full head of hair, and the fact that David thought she looked like a little old man with a comb over.

I remember napping together . . .

And, I remember the start of a sisterly bond that we are blessed to see blossom on a daily basis.

Amelia now fills our life with laughter, drama, and tons of personality.  She loves to make others laugh and has a huge heart.  She is wicked smart ( e.g. she speaks in full sentences and uses pronouns correctly).  And she has remained one strong-willed little girl.  But in all honesty, who wouldn't want a strong-willed girl?  No one is going to mess with my passionate Amelia!

She brings countless smiles to my day and literally fills my heart with joy!  I can't wait for her to wake up tomorrow morning.  For the past week she's been saying "My happy birthday coming up!"  

I hope it is indeed a Happy Birthday, sweet girl!

Can you believe it?

She is going to be TWO this week! 

Aunt Elle and Aunt Roz

The girls had a rare treat today and were able to hang out with Aunt Elle and Aunt Roz . . .
one more literally than the other.

And while Audrey was "hanging" with Aunt Roz . . .
Amelia was enjoying the attention of . . . well, everyone else!

Soaking up the love . . .

And making her rounds as Dr. Yaya (shots and all).

Amelia (and David) Reciting "One Was Johnny"

I love how proud David looks (and rightfully so)!

This is likely the line where the turtle bites the doggy's tail.  Amelia always adds "No, no, turtle."

"Hang out"

While putting Amelia to bed tonight, she was pleading to go back downstairs.  At some point she said, "downstairs, mommy . . . hang out."

 

Pure Joy

Pure joy is found in many ways.  But in our household, it often comes from tickling!