Birthday Bash!

We made it through Esther's 2nd year and what a blessing it has been. We all had a big birthday weekend and are partied out (in a good way)! Here are A LOT of pictures to recap our weekend.

Esther's Montessori class had a special birthday ceremony for her. We brought in pictures from birth to now and her teacher went over the progression of her time on this Earth. She then walked twice around a candle holding the Earth - representing her two years (candle=sun, E holding globe and circling twice=Earth's yearly rotation). We finished off with apple muffins, candle and all, and a round of Happy Birthday song. She enjoyed celebrating with her class. I'm so happy that she loves her school so much.

Friday night was a mad rush of sewing, baking and other preparations. We finished her birthday outfit, baby doll, crown and cake in the wee hours of the night. Ben went over to a friends' (thanks, Josh) to put the tricycle together, so we were both busy bees. I may have gone a bit overboard, but it was totally worth it to see Esther enjoying her special day.

I love how her outfit turned out. The fabric was adorable and the '2' turned out great! I hope that she appreciates it later in life.

Link for crown pattern

Here's the link for the baby doll pattern. I love its precious simplicity.

Grammi let Esther open her present Friday night. She made some really cute felt food (apples, oranges, watermelon, pizza, pancakes, eggs, and bacon). The most exciting item were the fries - she has an out-of-control love for french fries.

I could not fall asleep Friday night, figuring my body was awaiting E's time of birth, 12:56am. I lay there thinking of my labor and Esther's entry into this world. Though very painful (broken tailbone), it was such an blessed event. I am so grateful for the gift of being a mother and for my amazing husband, who is also a wonderful Papa.

And then for the big day!

PARTY TIME!

Playing with our godson, Jay, in the balls

Hugging her new baby

Esther has been asking for a bicycle for months (I think since she knew the word). The utter joy on her face at seeing her big present from us was amazing. She also loved all her cooking paraphernalia, tea pot, more really cute felt food, dress-up doll, books, tractor (yes, she asked for a tractor), clothes, music instruments, movies, stickers and all the other sweet gifts. Thanks, everyone!

I know I've mentioned E's love for the color orange, hence the orange outfit, crown, balloons, and playdough. All the kids played w/ playdough and made handprints to take home with them. Poppi helped Esther make little animals. The turtle was too cute!

Cake time! This was quite a treat! Keeping with the orange theme (she wanted orange cake), I made carrot cake. The cream cheese icing was especially good and the main thing she ate. She has been practicing blowing out candles and got them both before the song was over.

Thanks, everyone, for giving our girl such a special day! Thank you also for all your prayers and support through her two years of life. We definitely could not do it without those blessings!