Party Like A 2 Year Old

Malia has loved Elmo for a long time, so I knew a Sesame Street party would be great.  My amazingly, talented friend Christy made matching Elmo pillowcase dresses for the girls.  I love them so much, and it was the perfect touch for our Elmo party.

As usual, I went a little crazy with the food (of course I could have done more).  Another friend Marisa forwarded me pictures of the fruit and vegetable Muppets, and I knew they would be a hit.  Since I was busy preparing the other food, Gideon ended up making them and he did a great job.

Most of the food

After some time spent eating and playing, Malia started opening her presents.  She was very good about saying Thank You, even though it was very quiet and most people couldn’t hear her.  At least she was saying it.

Raiding the food table

Her hands full of blueberries

After presents we brought out the cakes.  All of the kids loved the cakes and picked what kind they wanted by choosing either Big Bird or Elmo.

Singing Happy Birthday

Blowing out the candles

Malia may not be a party animal, but she knows how to party like a 2 year old!

Celebrating with Santa

Even though we have a season pass to Santa’s Village, we had not been yet this year.  We decided that Malia’s birthday would be a great day to visit.  Since it is a bit of a drive, we only let Malia open two presents before leaving. 

Once we arrived at Santa’s Village, we started on the rides right away.  Santa’s Village is great for the girls because there are only two rides Malia is too small to ride and Hadley can ride anything with a parent. 

Waiting to ride the carousel

The elf's shirt says "I was this tall at Santa's Village."

Driving the Antique Car

Riding in the backseat of the Antique Car

  

We also stopped by the Reindeer Rendezvous where we got to feed and pet Santa’s reindeer. 

I love how Malia always opens her mouth when feeding an animal

After lunch, we headed to the water area of the park.  The girls were not a fan of the larger water area, but they loved the pop up sprayers. 

She is so independent

Sitting on a sprayer

Before leaving the park, we stopped by Santa’s house for a visit.  Santa was having a late lunch, so we listened to story time and ate some doe-nuts while waiting.  Before long, we headed into Santa’s house to see the big guy.  The girls didn’t know what they wanted for Christmas, but they still enjoyed sitting on his lap.

Eating doe-nuts while listening to story time

Two candy canes from Santa!

We also stopped by the Elves house and rode the carousel one more time before leaving. 

For dinner we decided to go to Applebee’s because Malia loves it when they sing to people for their birthday.  When we heard the servers headed our way singing, I started to put Malia in the booth with me.  It was bad timing though as she announced she was “pooin”. 

Not really enjoying her song at the moment

After dinner we headed home for cake and more presents.

Blowing out her candles (Hadley helped)

The loot

Her first view of her kitchen and other presents

Wearing her adorable apron made by Aunt Suzanne 

While Malia may not remember her second birthday, it was a fun day and a great way to celebrate.

Malia is 2 Years Old

Dear Malia,

In some ways I can’t believe that you are already 2.  It seems like just yesterday we were bringing you home from the hospital and that you were my squishy, tiny newborn.  In other ways though, I can’t even remember my life without you.  You fit perfectly in our family.

While Mommy, Daddy, and Hadley are more serious, you are goofy, funny, and always smiling.  You bring the humor to our family and make all of us laugh all of the time.  You are mischievous and have so much personality.  Even people who just meet you know that you are full of life and are laughing right along with you in no time.

Everything right now is 1 more:  one more book, one more minute, one more song.  Every night after Mommy or Daddy has told you no more songs, you always ask for one more.  At least with me, you usually get it.   

You have always been a big talker with us, but you are becoming more and more vocal around other people.  People are amazed by your vocabulary and how well you can express what you want.  The few times we don’t understand what you want, you get very frustrated.

It is usually those moments of frustration that lead to your random temper tantrums.  You still don’t have many temper tantrums, but they are increasing in duration and intensity.  I think that is due to your stubbornness.  It is not in your nature to give up on anything, including a temper tantrum.

Mommy is still your favorite person.  You don’t even like the thought of me leaving you.  Many nights while I am making dinner, you stand at the gate crying for me.  When you are with me, you are very independent.  You love going off to play but come back often to make sure I’m still there. 

You try really hard to keep up with Hadley and all of your bigger friends.  Even though you may not be able to do everything they do, it doesn’t stop you from trying.  You are always right there ready for any adventure. 

In the past six months, you have grown almost 3 inches, but only put on about 2 pounds.  You have gone from being my little Squish to my tall, skinny girl. 

While not every moment is perfect, we are enjoying all of it.  It is so much fun watching you and growing with you.  I love being your Mommy and love you with all of my heart.