We Blinked and She's Two

Ella hit a milestone and turned two a couple of weeks ago. We decided to have a more low-key celebration this year - saving our energy and money for all those future birthday parties that will most likely be over the top. On her actual birthday, our little family celebrated with dinner and ice cream cupcakes. It was really fun to see her little face get so excited, running around saying that she's "twooooo" and sticking up two little chubby fingers. She loved her obnoxious Elmo/Mickey Mouse "boon" bouquet and when she saw her cupcakes with those two candles all lit up, her face filled with awe, which melted my heart. She was a champ at blowing them out all by herself.

A few days later, my brother came into town, so we had another celebration with Nana, Papa, Uncle Nick, and great-great aunt Frances. This time, we still had cupcakes (Elmo style), but the two itty bitty candles were replaced by an extra special one.

took a chance and replicated these cupcakes from a picture I found online ... pretty proud of how they turned out!

 

 

loved all her new rompers from Grandma Cathryn, Papa George, and Aunt Rachel! 

got her a whole bunch of new "potty" books for the bathroom ... keep your fingers crossed that they work their magic this year!

Ella gained lots of books, cute clothes, puzzles, and other fun toys on her birthday. My mom and dad got her the most adorable mini kitchen that I have ever seen in my life. The fridge even doubles as a washing machine. A set of Melissa & Doug wooden food items (including cookie dough you can actually slice) and miniature stainless steel pots and pans completes the set. Makes me wish that I was 4 again, making dinner for all my stuffed animals. What a lucky girl.



All in all, it was a perfect way to celebrate Ella Bella's big day and the start of a new year. So far, the two's haven't been that terrible.