Charie's Special Day

Today we celebrated Charlotte's 2nd birthday. Her real birthday is Saturday, but we are leaving on our trip to Switzerland early that morning and have other committments tomorrow night, so today it was. Ryan and I only decided last night that today would be "the day" and as I woke up this morning, I realized that I didn't have enough time to emotionally prepare for this big step in her life. Seriously, where has the time gone?! 2?! Already?! It's weird for me to have a 2 year old without another baby in tow, and I'm not gonna lie - it's so fun. Charlotte and I have so much fun together and she's my little best friend. I have a really hard time summing up all of my feelings about Charlotte, because they are so widespread. I love her so much that when I look into those blue eyes or hear her big belly laughs it almost makes my heart quiver and shake with sheer, unmeasureable joy (ok, excuse the drama, but it's true!) Most of you have probaby heard the following story, but for those that haven't and for nostalgia sake since it's her birthday and all, here we go:

When it came to planning my "future family" in my younger years, I was never one of those who knew exactly how many kids I wanted, or when they would come, etc. All I knew was that I wanted BOYS. No girls. BOYS. When my first 2 went exactly according to plan, I thought I was in the clear for a house full of boys. Going into my 20 week ultrasound with Charlotte, I was fully convinced that it was a boy. So much so, that when the ultrasound tech told Ryan and I it was a girl, we were mute. No talking. No ooohhing and aaahhhing. Nada. Just pure shock. Around this time, we had begun collecting Disney movies and The Little Mermaid had recently been released. Wanting to collect all of the movies, regardless of gender, we snatched it up. Well, the ultrasound technician finished the ultrasound (as we remained mute) and as we got outside and into the car, Ryan looked over at me and the first thing he said was, "Well, I guess The Little Mermaid will get watched now." Despite my friends and familys' excitement over the fact that I was "getting my girl" (as if no one in their right mind would want all boys...) it took me over a week before I could even wrap my mind around it and begin to be excited. Of course by the time she was born I was thrilled about the addition to our family, and those feelings have only increased. She is equally adored by the boys in the house and appreciates wielding the power that accompanies such adoration.

Tonight as I was putting Charlotte in bed I said, "Charlotte, are you mommy's best friend?" to which she replied, "Yeah, bes fiend Momma." And I hope it stays that way. Enjoy a little eye candy birthday-style:

Step One for any birthday girl: Primp.


The cake. Let's just say given the circumstances it could have been worse.


The birthday girl in all her glory (and a huge enormous THANK YOU to my thoughtful, talented sister-in-law Jessica for Charie's birthday shirt. Check out more of her talent HERE)


Blowing out her candles (I want to throw my camera filter out the window after realizing that the candles are reflected on her forehead...U.G.H.)


The aftermath: frosting face and toys = perfect 2 year old birthday.


A big thanks to our families who took time to send things for Charlotte's birthday. Things like that make me feel not quite so far from home and lastly, HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHARLOTTE! WE LOVE YOU!