#2

Jocelyn, my little darling, (and Tyler's little princess) turned 2 on December 27th. I find this day to be a difficult time as a parent because I have to not only shop for Christmas but for her birthday as well. In addition to planning any type of party during the busy (and lazy) days after Christmas.

We celebrated her birthday a day early because we hosted a baby shower for my sister on Jocelyn's actual birthday. She didn't know the difference, of course. We went bowling, ate a yummy southwestern chicken dish, opened presents and ate a red velvet cake (per request my mom, as her birthday is on the 21st). It takes two bottles of large red food coloring to get that cake so red!

Jocelyn enjoyed her birthday. Samuel helped open her gifts and she had plenty to open. My in-laws gave her a "princess of the kitchen" type theme of gifts w/an apron (on a sidenote: b/w both kids they received 3 chef hats and 3 aprons from both sides of the family. Crazy!), play food and pots and pans. Tyler chose to wear her tiara to encourage her to. It didn't work. We gave her a bathrobe (found at DI, wahoo!), her "ABC" photobook made just for her (and free from mycanvas.com, I love this company for photobooking, by the way!!!), the apron I made for her, a super J cape that I made to copy Sammy's, and some play kitchen sets from IKEA. Oh, and another "my little pony." She loved all of these gifts and chanted "Happy Birthday to you" for days after.




In reflection, it's been nice to see my little girl grow up. She is beautiful, smart, clever, loving and funny. Sounds perfect doesn't she? Well, she is 2 now and it's showing. With her little tantrums. And following every step behind Samuel, good, bad and worse, is not always so endearing. But being able to communicate w/her clearly (she speaks at least 150 words by now, listening to her addictive laugh, watching her scowls at doctors, grocers, etc and her "chinese" like eyes when she smiles all make me happy to know this little girl. Happy Birthday Jocelyn!