Nora turns "do"

I know it's cliche to say time flies but my gosh, it sure does.  I simply cannot believe that I have a two year old already.  I mean, it really could not have been that long ago since I had to quit working early because this little girl, still curled up inside my belly, was causing me sciatica?  It couldn't have been that long ago we brought her home from the hospital, lay her down on the floor, looked at each other and said, "now what?"  But alas, two years have ran before our eyes just as quickly as she runs to the door when Daddy comes home.  

First birthday card in the mail.
Thanks, Uncle Gary and Aunt Cheryl!

We knew we were planning a party and other fun things to do on her birthday but even Rusty had something up his... uh... paw.

When she went in her room to get her pjs on (which
now always has to be done in the castle) Rusty was laying
in there.  She was so surprised.  Just thrilled! 

After she went to bed, we blew up balloons and decorated her door.  We put most of the balloons in her room so when she woke up we could go in there and throw them in her crib.  She absolutely loved that! Having six giant balloons in their bed is a big deal for a birthday girl.  

Then she saw the balloon hanging
from the top of her doorway.  

My birthday girl all dressed up and ready to go. (We had Moms and Tots at church where she was wound up.  And they sang her happy birthday!)

She kept looking at the cupcakes
on her shirt and pretended to eat them.

 

Playing with all the food for in her kitchen she
got for Christmas.  This was the food I used to play
with as a girl.

A new bed for baby.
This was Gram's crib for her dolls when she was a little girl! 

A warm and cozy Elmo blanket
for the Elmo-lover of the house.

Had to cover up with the blanket
while opening the rest of her presents.

A pretty apron to wear when
she's cooking and baking with me
and in her own kitchen.

Day 2 of her birthday celebration was her party.  Que another wound up girl.  Very cute to see so much excitement.  She knew it was a special day for her.

A favorite snack -- yogurt pretzels.

Thanks for the pretzels, Grandma Grandma!

And thanks for the pretty outfit, Grandma Grandma!

Baby's going to help me open this big one.

Elmo cupcakes for an Elmo party!
(Thank you Pinterest for the great
DIY idea)

A feverish brother finds comfort
with one of his favorite people.

 Happy Birthday to you!  Happy Birthday to you!  Happy Birthday dear, Nora!!  Happy Birthday to you!

Blew her candles out in one try!

So proud!

Look at all the Elmo cupcakes!
That's one patient girl taking a picture before digging in!

Happy Birthday, Nora.  We love you with all our hearts.  You have enriched our lives in countless ways.  If the first two years were this good, we can't wait to see what's in store for us next!