H2ndBD Natalie!

"Happy Birthday mom."
"Sissy's birthday?"
"Me eat birthday cake?"
"Happy Birthday dad."

Our little learning sponge Natalie has been saying the HBD phrase for almost three months now.  It all started back in the beginning of November when I worked with her on singing some new songs.  We learned 'Jesus Loves Me' and in honor of her birthday month, 'Happy Birthday.'  At nighttime, we would hear those two songs, along with a few other favorites, coming from the monitor in the girls' bedroom for atleast 15 minutes after brushed teeth, prayers, kisses, and lights out.  Tony and I would look across the room from eachother and just grin.  She didn't really have the tune, but the words were there.

Well, November 16th came and our dear, sweet Natalie officially turned 2!  That morning we let her open her gift from us...a stroller for her baby dolls. 

After lunch we had a cupcake and did a few rounds (and then some) of the HBD song as well as the fun game 'light the candle, blow out the candle.'

The first lighting.

Patiently waiting during HBD song.

Enthralled with the smoke after blowing out the candles.

Round two of many more!

Getting every last bit of goodness off that candle.

"Here mom."

Such a sweet two-year old!

We didn't do much for celebrating beyond cupcakes that day, knowing that family would be around for Thanksgiving and that would be the time for more intense birthday celebrations.

Just a couple days after Natalie's actual birthday, a surprise from Aunt Carrie came in the mail (Saturday, Nov. 19th--3 days later).  It was a picture of Bolt from the so-named movie.  She LOVED this movie for the longest time and watched it more than I'd like to admit.  Unfortunately we had only DVR'd it, and we hadn't protected it, so to our surprise after so long it just disappeared.  Let's just say Natalie was excited to see Bolt again!

With her picture from Aunt Carrie, and Sam too!

Thanksgiving came, and Natalie had an actual opinion (I guess that is what being two years old means...you now have a say in things!) of what she wanted for her birthday cake.  A "Mickey Mouse airplane bithday cake."  Daddy and Mommy got to work and were rather pleased with what we came up with, as was Natalie!

With a more harmonious HBD song (a crowd of voices on Thanksgiving day, Thursday, Nov. 24th--8 days later), cake, and ice cream, as well as lots of gifts, Natalie was loving this whole birthday thing. 

Excited for some cake after blowing out the candles.

Enjoying gifts.

Trying out the new work bench and tools (just like her daddy).

Multi-tasking already!

Getting some help from Great-Grandpa Harvey.

Giving our new baby a bottle before bedtime.

Just a few days following Turkey Day (Monday, Nov. 28th), Natalie got a birthday gift in the mail from Uncle Brian and Aunt Sarah...so at this point, her birthday had drug out for 12 days!!!  Can't ask for a better 2nd birthday! 

What is it??  A monkey with a blanket, and crayons for the shower.

A masterpiece in the tub!

Before we knew it, we needed to start talking about Daddy and our friend Silas' birthday coming up in less than two weeks (Dec. 10th).  Natalie had a hard time adjusting to it being time for someone else's birthday other than her own.  Her friend Ava turned three on the 19th of November, but we didn't celebrate with Ava, so I'm thinking the idea of someone else having a birthday had not really sunk in to Natalie at all. 

Anyways, Natalie did just fine, and shared her version of the 'Happy Birthday' song with Daddy for days to come before and after his actual birthday.  Now it was time to start talking about Jesus' birthday.  For weeks we sang HBD to Jesus many, many times throughout the day to help her get the idea of what Christmas is about. 

Not long after Jesus' birthday, it was time for Papa's birthday, and then Aleah's.  Whew!  All Natalie could talk about was birthdays, for two months straight! 

It is finally starting to fizzle out, but not too soon. 

Quite often rather than an out-of-the-blue "I love you Mom,"

I get a "Happy Birthday Mom." 

My response...

I simply smile and say "I love you too, Natalie."

HAPPY 2nd BIRTHDAY NATALIE GRACE!!! 
You mean the world to your family! 
God has truly blessed us with you, your huge heart, your quirky sense of humor, your beautiful smile, and your passion for life and learning!  WE LOVE YOU!!!