The Big Birthday Girl

The official stats:

• 29 pounds
• 34 1/2 inches tall 

She can say her full name and spell her first name.
She can count to 13.
Memorizes books and songs easily.
Favorite phrase..."I don't want to _____" (insert whatever I ask her to to do).
Favorite word is "stop".  
Her favorite toy is her doll house.
Loves to pretend and has a big imagination.

Her birthday was so much fun this year because she was truly excited about it.  On her actual birthday we went out for lunch with daddy and then we had a cupcake for her that evening.

She actually ate a few bites of the cupcake and told us she liked it.  Then she decided it was more fun to feed my bites (I didn't complain).  This was the most sweets she has ever had (including some cake at her actual birthday party).
  
We've entered a whole new world now with a two year old.  I'm happy to say it's not too bad so far.  We have a few fits here and there but they are very short and easy to deal with.  I try to always be prepared.  I know she's just like her momma so I always keep some water and a snack on hand to try and prevent a hunger melt down.  She also takes after me and loves carbs.  She eats toast almost every morning for breakfast.  She loves plain white rice and she always wants to sample the food when I'm cooking.

We are not big fans of Halloween at our house.  But I did dress her up for music class and for a birthday party that was on Halloween.  Thank goodness our Texans sent the costume.

The pictures are starting to slow down.  The child newness has worn off.  HA!  Just kidding.  

When you're in the kitchen and you won't pick her up...she wants to get her stool so she can see and "help".

She has known who Reggie the Redbird is since she was a wee little one.  She can spot him on signs, billboard, t-shirts, etc. from a mile away.  We decided to go to Uptown Normal during homecoming week so she could have her first Reggie mascot experience and see the Big Red Marching Machine.

It didn't go very well.  She was terrified of Reggie.  Here she was doing okay because he was far enough away but if he looked in her direction or got any closer she would FREAK out.  She also freaked out with the marching band.  I'm not sure why because it wasn't that loud (and loud music doesn't usually bother her anyway).

And last but not least...

Here we all are on Grandma Peggy's birthday.  I put this version of the picture because it just makes me laugh.  Here is a good one...