Carolyn's second birthday

Today, our baby girl turned 2! So hard to even believe! But here we are, parents of a beautiful, healthy, head-strong 2-year-old.

I took the day off work to spend with Carolyn, and my mom took the day off to spend with us, too. It was so nice to have her along for all the day's festivities.

We started out at the doctor for C's two-year checkup. OK, this wasn't exactly a highlight, but it was good nonetheless because we learned that she is healthy and growing like a weed! She remains in the 90th percentile for height, in the 50th for weight and the 25th-50th for head circumference. (I was very grateful for that small head on this day two years ago.) :-) She did have to get one shot, but took it like a champ and didn't even have time to cry before it was over and she was demanding a sticker!

After the doctor we headed to the zoo for the Farm Tots program. It's an early childhood program that the zoo puts on. We played in the zoo's schoolhouse and learned about sheep. Then we played on the playground next door and cleaned up the sheep's stall (pictures to the right). Then we got to see some real sheep and feed them tree branches. Carolyn liked it, and even was brave enough to pet one of the sheep!

After the zoo we went to lunch at Red Robin where Carolyn got her very own pink balloon. Unfortunately, the balloon didn't come home with us as she developed an aversion to it halfway through our meal. So I left it with the hostess and told her to give it to someone else. :-) After lunch it was home for a much-needed nap (for C and for me).

After her nap we went out to get C her first haircut! We ended up taking her to this rock-and-roll place called Floyd's Barber Shop. She loved it, and did so well! No tears or meltdowns. And the new cut is adorable. Most importantly, her bangs are now shorter so that Daddy can't do the Donald Trump comb over on her anymore. Always a plus.

After dinner we had birthday ICE CREAM! I capitalize that because Carolyn. Loves. Ice cream. It was mint chocolate chip, which we think is probably her favorite (we know it's her godmother's favorite). When she was all done she demanded more, and the only way we got out of that one was to entice her with presents.

Presents were plenty! From her Auntie Niser and Jeffrey, she got the quilt for her new big-girl bed and an owl pillow, and the cutest little Christmas dress (complete with faux fur collar). From her godmother, she got sheets for her big-girl bed and another owl pillow (which is great because I want to pad her new headboard with lots of pillows). From Melissa, Luke and Jeremy she got a really big doll, which she calls her Barbie (more on this below). Aunt Gina and Uncle Danny sent her a card and some money, and our neighbors gave her a book and a gift card to Gymboree. We gave her an owl purse (do you see a theme here?). I tucked her birthday letter inside. Here is what it said:

Our dear sweet Carolyn,

Happy 2nd Birthday! What an incredible, amazing, joyful year it has been. Daddy and I have had so much fun watching you blossom into a little lady. We learned this year that you are stubborn and have quite a mind of your own. You get that from both of us. :-) Your curiosity has bloomed, along with your language and your sweet personality. You've just recently become quite the little hugger, and there is nothing we love more than getting sweet hugs from you. You are an endless gift of laughter, smiles and joy. We are so blessed to be your parents. We love you so very much, sweetie.

Love,
Mommy and Daddy

On a sentimental note for just a minute, I spent this entire day just watching Carolyn, absolutely amazed at how beautiful, smart and full of life she is. She is a miracle, and we are so thankful for her every day. *tear*

Shifting gears now, I want to share one of the funnier (perhaps the funniest) moments from C's birthday. It involves the big doll that Melissa got her. Needless to say, Carolyn was instantly enthralled with the doll and began carrying her around everywhere. This is what ensued:





We are having a birthday party for Carolyn on Sunday and will have more to share and more photos to post after that. But for now, we're calling the second birthday a huge success! Hope you enjoy the photos.