The Big TWO

Ava is officially two years old today, as of 4:03pm.  We've come a long way since her 4-weeks early, 6lb arrival.

Her birthday was celebrated on Saturday, with lots of family, friends, cake and presents. 

And even though I didn't put as much thought and planning into it as I did last year for her 1st birthday - due to the fact that last year I had a student teacher and lots of time on my hands - I actually think this year's party turned out better.  Maybe that's because Ava herself could really enjoy it.  She's two now, and can do big-girl party things, like play dolls with friends, put a sticker crown on a paper princess, open her own gifts, and eat cake with a fork.  She not only enjoyed her party, she participated in all of the required birthday activities!

It was definitely fun having a few little friends over to help celebrate.  Ava and Ella zoomed around the house together, pushing toy grocery carts, feeding bottles to naked baby dolls and giggling in the cute way that little girls do.  Claire toddled around after them, screeching, "Mo'?  Mo'?!" and Kate sat in the midst of it all, happily keeping herself busy with discarded plastic spoons and pretend baby food jars.

 Once she saw this purse, that was it.  Game over.  No need for more presents!  She got what she wanted!

The one thing we'll have to work on for next year is blowing out the candles.  Although she can sort-of blow her nose, she doesn't understand blowing air out of her mouth.  This may also be why she doesn't spit toothpaste yet.  Or maybe that's because we haven't shown her how...but I digress.

Fabulous cake made by my co-worker & friend, Kristi Mendel!

Overall, the party was a huge success.  The adults enjoyed good food and conversation, the kids ran around on a sugar-high...and our cat Mela hid out in the office where no one could bother her.  Now we have a whole year of TWO.  I'm looking forward to this summer when we can take Ava out on her new tricycle and Big Wheels, go on play dates to the pool or the park, and color on the driveway with chalk.  I can't wait to see her figure out how to jump, how to draw a straight line and start recognizing letters and colors.  And I especially can't wait to hear all of the funny and amazing things she will say during this year that she is two years old.

Happy 2nd Birthday sweet girl!