Miss Sophie Turns Two!

 Sophie turned two on Wednesday, but we waited and had a small family party for her yesterday (Saturday).
A few weeks ago Amy was trying to decide on a theme for her party and it was down to Dora or Pooh.  The only TV show that really holds her attention for more than a minute or two is Dora, but her very favorite thing in the world is her Pooh bear.  For her he is her security blanket, pacifier and pillow all in one.  So Winnie The Pooh became the choice for a birthday theme.  When Amy told me I had a vague memory that we had used Pooh for one of her birthdays so I got out the old photo albums.  It was for her first birthday!  Although this is Sophie's 2nd, it is her first with us, and probably the first ever celebrated just for her so I thought that was pretty neat.  Here is Amy on her first birthday with a Pooh cake that I had made. Below you'll see Sophie's mom made her a Pooh cake too!
I also found a picture of Amy's 2nd birthday with her Raggedy Ann cake.  Look at that pretty curly hair!

 

 

When Sophie arrived yesterday it was raining and a girl has to have her umbrella and snazzy raincoat!

 She loved her balloons!

 And cooked several meals for us on her new kitchen!

 When Amy and I were in Chongqing our guide Anita took us to a bakery and showed us this birthday candle.  Amy bought it and it was impressive!  We had fireworks, the flower spun and opened up and it played Happy Birthday.  In fact it played for hours.  It had to be put out on the patio and finally dismantled.  It was a big hit though!

 For her first time blowing out candles she did a great job.  Her friend Emily just had to help a little!

 Enjoying her cake and ice cream!

She is such a joy! 

Hooray for Nap Time!

My just barely turned three (on Dec. 22nd) granddaughter is a wonderful napper. She goes down easily every day right after lunch and sleeps 2-4 hours. That is my lifesaver, because the rest of the time she is full-throttle! I can regroup, maybe read a blog or two and possibly knit a couple of rows. I should clean up the house, but have found that is a lost cause so I just do a little laundry, cook something simple and get the dishes done (maybe). Having a three year old is not for the weak or weak of heart - it is a full time job, and could possibly kill you (especially at my age - it didn't seem nearly as hard 30 years ago!) However, she is also the sweetest, funniest, cutest kid and that makes it all worthwhile!

The parents left Saturday afternoon and DH and I are keeping the 12 and 3 year old granddaughters until Thursday, when we will take them back home. The 12 year old is absolutely no trouble. She is in fact a big help, especially with her sister. I love having them here, but definitely need my vitamins during that time!

We had a great Christmas. The snow was still on the ground and the kids got to play a little in it, build a snowman, and sled down our hilly yard and driveway. Even the the weather got a little warmer during the day, it got cold every night so we still have snow in places.

Yesterday we took the kids to the movies to see "The Princess and the Frog". It was N's first movie and we were prepared for the worst, but she loved it and was wonderful. She was amazed at the whole thing and did just great. She moved from her seat to my lap to Dh's lap, but happily munched popcorn and watched the movie. I worried that a few parts (the voodoo) were a little scary for her, but I don't think she actually caught on to what that was about, so she didn't seem scared. I was proud of her.

On the 22nd we had a small family birthday party, but plan a bigger party later.

She and her daddy with her cake.

For Christmas her aunt Amy gave her this fairy outfit.  She has worn it almost every day since.  One day we didn't go anywhere and she wore it and her pajama top all day.  I have already washed it twice.  I think it was a hit.

Why wear one outfit when two are available?  The tu-tu came with a pair of pajamas, but went over her head like a cape!

N and B

DH got the outside decorations down this morning, but I don't even dare start inside with all this help.  Maybe Friday!

Birthday Snow

For readers from farther north, I know this is a pitiful amount of snow, and I know you are sick of snow anyway. However, we don't get much snow so humor me. Also, it is my birthday and I was thrilled to see snow this morning! Unfortunately, it wasn't enough to get me out of work! I would have loved to stay home today, knit, and watch the inauguration! I hope to catch up tonight.

My friend Bonnie from work made delicious brownies for my birthday and gave me a beautiful red casserole dish. (I've developed a thing for red dishes.) We went out to eat last night for my birthday, and then DH cooked tonight and I got lovely gifts from him and daughter. Friday, we have to make a trip to Durham, NC to get fingerprints made (for daughter's adoption - it's a long story!) so we plan on a little shopping and eating out then too. You can see, I'm stretching out this birthday as long as possible!