Turning TWO is a big deal?

birthdays

Jan 21

Written By

   …at least it is for this mommy. My baby is TWO. She's no longer a baby! I have no more babies. I don't know what it feels like to have a two-year-old without having a baby to follow. (I know what you're thinking. Yes, I realize that there are ways to remedy this situation, but we are not ;) I'm not complaining, I'm just verbally coming to grips that our family is growing and changing. It is exciting! It's encouraging! It is freeing! But, honestly, it's sad.
As the big day grew closer, I struggled. I thought it was because everyone in the family was going their separate ways (school, Bible Study, work, Awana). I thought it was because we would not all be together long enough to have a 'party' and really celebrate this little girl and the joy (and drama) she brings. I had fun little things planned throughout the day so, if for no other reason, I felt it was special enough. …and it really was special. We enjoyed every moment of her day.
I soon realized that it wasn't because the family wasn't our typical close-knit unit this particular day. It was because my heart was breaking as I struggled to come to grips with the fact that we no longer had a baby in this house. I know. It's not like this happens overnight, but it sure felt like it. I gotta say, at this moment, I am glad I take so many pictures. This is one reason why. I do not want to forget those short-lived sweet sweet moments. The fall-asleep-anywhere heavy eyes. The little buns in the air as she curls up on her knees to sleep. Those silky soft, little round, bare shoulders. The way her forearms poor right into her hands, eliminating any hint of a wrist. Her precious little lips, her fine feathery fuzzy hair, and the scent - - oh, the intoxicating scent of my little baby. I wish I could bottle it.
- - - But, I know that I can't stay in this season forever, nor do I truly want to. The key verse of my up and coming Women's Retreat comes to mind:

Isaiah 43:18-19a (ESV)
18 “Remember not the former things,
    nor consider the things of old.
19 Behold, I am doing a new thing;
    now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?

I choose to trust God for the future. I trust Him for the "new thing" that He is "springing forth." For her future, and mine. (I tell ya, He really teaches me through my children ;) I look forward to seeing how God will work in her life as she grows and changes.

Oh, and I did get a little party thrown together the following weekend. We are so thankful for friends and family who could be there to celebrate with us, and missed those of you who couldn't. But don't worry, for the latter, I took photos! ;)

Here's a glimpse of her special day:

Saying "good-bye" to the 'big boys' as they head off to school, and we to Bible Study

Sporting her first pony tail - She loved it had to keep checking it out in the mirror

For lunch, we had tea party : )

…complete with bite-sized finger foods. It was a hit!

She had a her first pedicure after nap time.

Owen was the photographer for this step. He loved it, and was really quite good at capturing all aspects of the event : )

She just kept saying, "Look at my PRETTY TOES!"

An early dinner party with Dad before he and brothers had to run off to Awana - - - And beads : )

"My PInk" from Aunt Nancy : )

Working on accessorizing

I love to see the concentration on her face. She's two!

"Mommy, look at my PRETTY TOES!"

We had a 'little' sledding party over the weekend. I say 'little' because you've got to see our hill : )

She was most excited about her juice box.

Some of the gang

We had a pink and yellow, shoe themed party.

Not sure about the kiddos, but Gunnar sure was tuckered out. And we're only half way done!

"A moose! A moose! I see a moose!" We all love this book about a moose named Agate. Thanks Alexa!

And SHOES!

Her special toddler sized cake took a dive off the counter minutes before our guests arrived (thanks to some two-year-old-I-can-do-it fingers). This is the best I could do…