Graham Turns 2!!

Graham had his second birthday!! Can you believe he's 2 already? Anyone who knows me knows we do birthdays BIG around here. Not like spending tons of money on some giant party, but big in the sense of things that make the birthday person know they are special and loved just for being themselves. This year, we put a book, tattoos, a hat, and balloon at their spot, so when they came out for breakfast, they knew their special day had begun. We also put all four of their gifts from us up on the mantel (along with any cards that had come) so they got to see the reminder all day long. (We give the boys four gifts each birthday--something to wear, something to read, something they want, something they need.) I also tried to sneak a picture of them upon first waking.

The new thing we did this year was write a letter to them, to be kept with all of their cards in their Card Box (which is kept in the top of their closet). It's a sweet little note from us, documenting their tastes, preferences, dislikes, friends, activities, etc. I just want a little glimpse/reminder of what they were each like at the different stages. I know I've already forgotten so much from when Austin was 2, that I can't imagine how much I'll have forgotten come three kids times 18+ years! In truth, I wrote the letters and then had Seth edit/add to them. I bawled my eyes out the entire writing process. From the second sentence of Austin's all the way through Graham's, I was a mess of tears. Blaming some of that on pregnancy hormones. Some. ;-)

Happy Birthday to our strong-willed, opinionated, fearless son. Enjoy reliving Graham's big day!

For dinner, the birthday person chooses the menu and gets to use the special white plate. When asked what he wanted for dinner, Graham chose pancakes, so Seth made him a Mickey one and I suggested adding some blue food coloring. After we eat dinner, it's time for cake! I simply made Graham's red velvet cake this year and bought a "2" candle for the top. Nothing fancy, but still very fun/enjoyed. He totally understood that it was his special day and knew exactly what to do with the candle, when Seth took the lit cake to him.

Here's a video of Graham blowing out his candle:  http://youtu.be/9t908q5RXTI

Sweet smiley Birthday Boy! 

(Note to self: eating red velvet makes it look like your mouth is bleeding.)

And then when everyone's done with cake, we move to the family room to open cards and presents. Grandmas Houston and LaPean sent a card with cash in it. Nonnie & Gramps sent a card too, even though they'd be coming over a few days later. I love the thoughtfulness of that! AND of the people who called and otherwise reached out to my sons. It means so much to me!

Something You Need included a waterbottle and teeth supplies!

Something You Want included a light for the bathtub.
Graham LOVES baths.

Here are a few pictures of the effect of the light. 

It slowly goes through several colors, and it's very bright!!

I love the mess after unwrapping!
Seth needs to learn to let it just sit messy.
He threw a box away that had gifts still in it!

Nonnie & Gramps' Cupcake Night

Nonnie does a better/fancier job of wrapping than I do! lol

Buzz and Woody!!

"McQueen! McQueen! McQueen!"
I love Grandpa jammies and Graham loves McQueen.

"bristle blocks"

And then it was time to play with noisemakers and blow out candles on the cupcakes. They brought ice cream too, which was also a big hit!

I love messy rooms from unwrapping and love messy faces from eating.