Turning Two

If there was ever a time in my life that I wanted to slow down time, it's now! Yet, it seems that the days and weeks are just slipping away as my babies grow. Despite my best efforts to try to remember every sweet moment, each funny comment, how soft and small their features are, all their quirky habits, and every "first" in their lives, I know it's impossible. The thought of trying to capture it all in baby books, scrapbooking, or blogging is overwhelming. I can't hold on to everything but today I can stop and capture a few memories from my toddler's second birthday.

This morning started with a few gifts from Mommy and Daddy - a stuffed Clifford, Clifford's birthday book, and Clifford's birthday DVD. These all go along with the Clifford theme he is having for his birthday party this year. We immediately put all the gifts to good use, watching Clifford on TV, snuggling the stuffed Clifford, and reading the book all at the same time while Daddy made breakfast.

Dave looks just as excited as Caleb about this gift.

After breakfast we opened some cards that arrived from Grandma and Grandpa McKinstry and Aunt Lotella and Uncle Phil.

For the past few days, we thought about what we could do special for Caleb's birthday. While visiting somewhere like Chuckie Cheese or going to the library's story hour would be great fun, after Hadley's arrival we were afraid of the germs that might be mingled in with the fun. We considered going to local pet farms instead but couldn't find any that suited. It was kind of chilly for staying outside too long anyway so our other idea to go to a park to play got vetoed as well. Instead we opted to go to my granddad's farm to let Caleb check out the cows. NaNa came along for the adventure as well.

Since it was chilly, Hadley and I stayed in the car.
The cows gave us an up close view though,
pushing against and licking the vehicle.

He picked Mommy some buttercups.

Helping with the gates

Aunt Courtney, Pop, and NaNa came over with a few presents after dinner, including a tool set, Sesame Street floor puzzle, and Mickey Mouse birthday card. There was lots of silliness and cupcake eating which amounted to a wound up little boy right before bed time.

Pop let Caleb try out his new pliers.

This takes lots of concentration, you know?

Keep your thumb out of the way, Pop.

The card they brought played the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse song when you opened it. Caleb danced around, opened and closed it, and hid inside it. It was definitely the biggest hit of the day. Squealing and running back and forth persisted for most of the rest of their visit. I think Pop was ready to hide the card after hearing the song played over and over again. In the end, Dada had tape it up to reinforce the spots that were beginning to tear from so much fun.

After presents came cupcakes! He even shared a couple with us. :)

Hadley got lots of loving too during their visit as you probably knew already, but big brother stole the show on his birthday entertaining us all with his enthusiasm. Mommy and Dada gave him one last gift before everyone left - a bean bag chair. I thought this would be a good gift since he loves pillows and Hadley will be needing to use his baby rocker soon.

Our big boy loved it!

Do you want to wrestle, Aunt Courtney?

I win!