Turning Two!!!

I've been busy preparing obsessing over Kennedy's birthday party for the last two weeks.  I've been shopping, crafting, and cooking to make everything perfect for Kennedy and her guests!  Unfortunately, Mother Nature had other plans for us today.  Snow.  I was very disappointed at first that many of our guests were not able to make it, but I was thankful for those that did, and to my family who came from out of town!  I was determined that no matter what the turn out was, Kennedy was going to have an awesome party and a terrific day!  That she did!  She kicked it off with a pancake breakfast with daddy, and playing in some snow at the fake grass.  She returned home to a house fully decorated and ready for a party!

As we sang happy birthday to her, I held back tears.  It just doesn't seem possible that my baby girl is turning two in just a few days.  I feel like I was just sitting in the NICU, scared to death of the future and the unknown.  Now, she's a typical toddler.  She's running around, making messes, playing with toys (or things she makes toys), exploring and having fun.  She is a wonderful big sister to Caleb, and I am so blessed to have her as my daughter.  She learns new things every day.  She is no longer a baby, but a little girl.

Yesterday we were showing Grandpa our favorite park.  I was pushing her on the swing.  A dog was walking near us.  She pointed and said, "dog."  I could not have been more proud.  This was not one of the many words that we have been working on.  Especially since we don't have a real dog.  My heart melted and I'm, pretty sure there were a few tears.  Speech has been our biggest delay and I sometimes struggle with that, as I watch others her age talking in full sentences.  The fear of, "what if she never really talks" is often in my mind.  But then, she does something awesome like that.

Today as I watched her run around with her friend and her cousin, I realized just how far she has come in the past year.  She amazes me every day and is such an inspiration.  Her smile is truly infectious.

Here are a few photos from the day.  I'll catch up on more photos and updates later this week.

Dancing with her iPod!

Look Caleb!  I'll dance for you!

I'm a party girl!

Cooking with my friend Rylei.

I love playing with Hannah!

Bring on the cake!

Kisses for Grandpa!

Mmmmmm Cake!!!!!!

Ooooooh, presents!!!!

Good cake!!!

Look, I got a card!

What's this??

Look peeps!

I love all my new presents!

Really great cake! 

It's SNOWING!

Birthday girl!!!

I love this princess.

Is that for me????

Yaaay!

Minnie kisses!

The piano definitely wins the prize for favorite new toy!