Elise Turns 2!

We had a few more days of fun playing with our Christmas toys, but I had to jet home and de-Christmas so that we could have Elise's party.  I was really dreading this task and had expressed such to Ross.  Much to my jaw-dropping, is this my husband, surprise, the tree was taken down when I got home.  Ornaments packed away neatly.  Box in garage.  Christmas lights outside were taken down and boxed up.  This is not normal Ross behavior.  And, it may never happen again.  But, who cares?  This gave me so much pep in my step to do the rest and I want it to go down in blog history that he did something with no hints and without being told.  I was so HAPPY. 

Her party fell on her actual birthday, December 29th, and I was so happy everyone was able to come celebrate with her. 

She looked insanely adorable in her Cookie Monster outfit- her request- and she had the most wonderful time opening her gifts.  She got a kitchen and a piano that have been played with non stop.  She got two new babies which are on her hip constantly.  Her sister got her a helmet for her new scooter and a fun diaper bag full of baby accessories.  Ross and I got her a princess castle (which you might remember from previous posts, haha) and we have all had a great time with it.  I loved how much she loved this day and feel so full of pride as I look at these pictures of her. 

Elise Mae,

You are the funniest little two year old I know.  I worried and worried when I was pregnant with you that Amelia might overpower you or that I wouldn't know how to be a mom of two and let your personality develop to its fullest.  Just as the Lord smiled at those worries, I now crack up at the thought of stifling your personality.  You are the jokester of the four of us, always trying to make us laugh and demanding that people think, "Leese funny."  Somehow you have decided your go-to joke is singing about pee and poop which leaves your sister in a fit of giggles and leaves your mom trying hard to keep a straight face.  I love your confidence and joy.  Your dad, sister, and I are quite a bit less fearless than you and tend to stay on the safe side of things.  It is so freeing to see you try new tricks in gymnastics class and toddle off to your Sunday School class ready to, "see my friends."  Thank you for the assurance and reminder you bring that you are His child first and that he created you perfectly.  I still think about the spot on your forehead and worry about any emotional pain that it might bring you later in life, but the more you exude self-assuredness, the less I worry.  I pray that you always have those flashing, mischievous blue eyes followed by that over the shoulder grin.  I pray that when you are 30 times two you can grasp my hand and make me double over in laughter and whisper to me that you are funny.  And I will lean over and kiss those (hopefully still rosy) cheeks and thank you for all the hilarious memories I've banked in my full life. 

I love you my two year old!

Mommy