Amiah's Birthday

Yes it's true! Amiah has officially turned 2! Now, I know, I'm a little behind posting this good news (her birthday was September 18th) but it's still worth documenting!

We spent the weeks leading up to her birthday looking at toys asking what she wanted for her birthday, talking about the birthday party etc. So by the time the day actually happened, she was more than ready!

Mickey's parents were able to take a break from their kitchen remodel to attend and arrived the day before. Because we had planned a "girls only" tea party for the celebration we felt it important to celebrate a little the night before the party with PJ and Mickey so they could get in on the festivities! We had dinner with Granny and Grandad and then went home for presents and cake, both of which she was SUPER excited about. However, THIS is what happened when we started singing "Happy Birthday!" to her....needless to say...we skipped this part at the tea party.

The day of the party was quite exciting (and stressful...). Thankfully I have amazing friends and family that were willing to help with the set up and take down. It turned out beautifully! The weather was surprisingly cold so we crammed the guests in my parent's living room for the craft part. Mommy's helped their girls make foam tiara's, put on make up, paint their nails, and make beaded necklaces and bracelets. Then we went out to the back yard to play and have "tea" and cupcakes. The punch fountain was actually a fun bonus we happened upon (thanks Auntie Beth and the Fancy Nancy Party). All in all, the party was declared a success.
(ready for her party! Thanks granny for the fairy wings!)

(opening presents) (PJ of course had to have a crown too!)

(a taste of the party set up)

(poor Maddi fell victim to a little after-party fun)

On an emotional note: I was choking down tears all day. I know I have another baby already...but she is still my little girl and it is SO surprising she is already two! She has been so much fun to have around. Amiah absolutely LOVES anything that has to do with art. She particularly loves to write with pens and draw pictures. She also enjoys coloring, painting, cutting, and gluing etc. She is quite girly on most levels, taking care of her baby dolls is by far her favorite imaginary play.
(Princess Amiah)

However, she can certainly hold her own in the tom-boy world and doesn't mind getting down and dirty. She has recently told us numerous times that she "likes to play with Boys" and "I need to play with some boys mom". This of course, has us already on edge!
(yes, she IS doing ketchup shots...)

She is very pretty and is constantly being approached by strangers complimenting her. Now, if she sees someone coming our direction (whether they are headed to approach us or not) she shy's towards me and says, "I don't want to say 'hi' mom..." (every time someone talks to her I encourage her to say "Hi" to them). It's really funny.

(She and Aunti Beth sporting her shades...and her shy look)

She is quite a mommy's girl too, which at times is difficult when it comes to mommy needing to be away or have daddy help her with something instead of me. She loves to help with Owen, and PJ (whether he wants her to or not) and has an amazing passion for animals already. She is very tender hearted and gets upset easily if she sees someone or something that appears lonely or sad, or if she senses someone is disappointed in her. It's not uncommon if we are reading a story and the characters mom is not on the page that she will say, "She needs her mom, mom!"

Amiah is also very articulate. She speaks in full sentences and will carry a two (or three or four) way conversation very easily. She understands things that most 2-year olds don't. At her recent well-child check she is developmentally at a 3 year 2 month level. She is also, only in the 5th percentile for her size. We love everything about this little girl and are so blessed to have her in our family!
(blowing bubbles) (the fam with granny & grandad) (funny hair)