Erica Turned Two

Erica just turned two!!! Yeah!!! I am loving this age. It is seriously so much better than the newborn stage. I love that she can communicate better, she is more independent, she likes to go do things, etc. I know I am in the minority, but I love to see her grow up. Maybe I'll feel differently in a few more years. Of course, along with the good, there has come a new surge of independence and stubborness, but I like dealing with this so much better than uncontrollable or inexplicable fussing.

I spent the week of Erica's birthday watching my cousin's three kids. They are elementary school aged and I didn't have Troy with me. Thank goodness these kids are amazing and it was actually a pretty easy week. They were great with Erica and they were gone to school all day. I did gain an appreciation for this stage of my life because I still have so much flexibility with Erica. Between school, activities, music lessons and homework, these kids were busy all day long. It was a great week, but I was tired by the end. We miss these guys.




We didn't do too much for her birthday, except have a Dora cake and open a few gifts. The youngest girl helped decorate Erica's cake. If anyone knows of my struggling artistic talent (Troy will admit to this), they will know that this cake looks much better than anything I could have done.


She was a little cleaner this year in eating her cake. We definitely have a lefty.


Troy joined us online through Skype for the festivities. Notice him in the background on the computer.


She loved her Barney doll, some Hannah Montana musical instruments and chapstick from her Grandma Tutu.

Before we left on our babysitting adventure, our neighbor brought over a bagful of birthday goodies for Erica. She was very excited about the bows and Panda movie.