Happy 2nd Birthday Lauren!

I can't believe 2 years has already passed since we welcomed Lauren into our family. Today was a VERY bittersweet day for me- I found myself on the verge of tears more than once (bittersweet tears if that makes sense). I don't think I had much time to be sad my baby was becoming a toddler last year when she turned one seeing I was 9 months pregnant with Michael and there would be another baby around soon enough. Now with Michael walking and talking there are no more babies (and there are no plans for any more). As I look at the little girl my baby is becoming I am so proud to be her mother. She is growing into an amazing person who inspires me to be the best I can be daily. Her personality is unbelievable- she always knows how to make you laugh, even when she's driving you nuts! She is so sweet and always tells John and I she loves us and gives such amazing hugs.
Besides reminiscing on the past 2 years we have spent with Lauren today was a VERY busy day- I wanted to celebrate and let her have a special day!

We started the day off at the pediatrician- My baby girl is 35 inches tall and weighs 29 pounds. Shes off the charts for her height like always and in the 75th percentile for weight.

Then it was off to Chuck E Cheese with Nathan, Alex, Taylor, Hudson and of course their Mom's (we got free tokens for Lauren's birthday)

We met "Nams" and PopPop for dinner at Mellow Mushroom. Earlier when we saw Taylor she gave Lauren some fun gifts for her birthday (including the butterfly stickers which we ALL wore on our noses at dinner thanks to Lauren- after all it was her birthday!)

Michael wouldn't put his on his nose but he left it on his forehead for the entire dinner.

Lauren and Nams

Homemade ice-cream cake

Gift from Mommy - A baby doll swing

At dinner John said he needed to make a stop on the way home to pick up Lauren's birthday gift (a while back we talked about getting the kids a gift from each of us once they reached their 2nd birthday and could understand a little more). John had not mentioned what he was getting her and I was as surprised as she was when he came home with her very own fish! At first she wanted to reach in and play with him then she was a little freaked out by him being there but by bedtime she was in love with him! She named him Fruit (yes a silly name but def. shows her personality a bit) and she hugged and kissed his bowl goodnight! Good job Daddy!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Lauren LOVES ice cream but I think from the day we had she was just plain tired by this point.