Happy Cake

Vanessa's on my lap sorting through pictures with me. She wanted to use "Mommy's email" (the computer) to share about her birthday happy cake. (She will reacquaint herself with a few other foods, right?)

An Artist at Work

Love the mess!

(Notice the cute little fat rolls? These pictures were taken a few weeks ago, and since thenVanessa has gone through a growth spurt -- the rolls/folds are almost gone :( Now her legs are beginning to make me think of slender ballerina legs, so I guess a sweet and somewhat welcomed development.)

Here she's talking about adding arms and hands to a "heart" she drew:

63,515,940 Seconds Old

This year it seems we dragged out the celebrating extra long, but it was fun!!! (I think Vanessa is still celebrating with her many balloons still floating around the play room and the persistent requests for happy cake.) Of course Vanessa began celebrating weeks ago. :) The rest of us joined her on August 1. We had a small party and Vanessa was so excited to see some of us gather for her. She carried her helium balloons around, proudly showing them to every person as they entered and reentered the room. She was blessed with many special and fun treats. We celebrated more the following Monday when more family came to visit.

Then on Thursday, August 6, Vanessa woke to balloons the birthday fairy so generously hung in the play room. They had to be cut down within a few hours because Vanessa couldn't stand not being able to reach them. :) We spent the morning playing and picnicking at a nearby park, since being outside is one of her favorite things. We then took a small nap and later celebrated again with ice cream cupcakes from Cold Stone Creamery, which Vanessa really enjoyed. (This also provided a second blowing out of candles since the first time, on the 1st, became a little scary after almost burning her face. She was extra careful the second time.)

It is hard to believe we just celebrated Vanessa's second birthday. It's also hard to believe she's now been with us for 63,515,940 seconds (at the time of this post.) Every second is worth celebrating.

II

Two years.

Too sweet.

Too cute.

Too pretty.

Too precious.

Too fun!

Never too zealous.

Never too talkative.

Never too creative.

Never too smart.

Never too silly.

Never too musical.

We'll love you to be or not to be whatever you want to be.

Happy Birthday!

Roger that.

5 4 3 2 1 . . .

BLAST OFF to birthday fun!

Beginning with the birthday boogie!

(For those interested -- she's actually dancing to Rocketship Run, by the Laurie Berkner Band.)