We just celebrated Aurelia's 2nd birthday on Saturday. For 2 incredible years she has been in our lives. We all marvel at what an amazing child she has already become. She is bright, cheerful, loving, kind, sensitive, intuitive and almost unbelievably verbal for a child her age. She speaks in paragraphs. She knows her books by heart. She can sing all the words to at least 10 songs. When I come home from work she asks "How was your day Momma?
She says that she is sorry if you tell her that she hurt you or hurt your feelings. She says please and thank you. She gets her own dishes for snacks and meals and brings her dirty dishes to the sink when she is all done. She washes her own hands, puts on her own panties, pants, jackets, shoes and sometimes her socks. She can zip up one of her vests and she loves to practice. She can buckle the top part of her car seat buckle. She can melt you with a smile and can leave you breathless with one of her hugs. She is an absolute miracle.
She is also very strong-willed and sometimes two hands full, but she is the most wonderful first child we could have ever expected. Parenting Aurelia has been an almost unbelievable journey. We have so much to look forward to and so many wonderful memories to cherish.
Here are some of our memories from these past few weeks.
For her birthday, I asked Reli what kind of cake she wanted. She told me in detail. Here is a video from 2 nights before the big day:
Here we are singing to Reli on her birthday. There were over 20 people present. She loved it. Reveled in it. She even chose to sit at the head of the table. I have never known a 2 year old to enjoy their birthday party. Reli had a fantastic time. She enjoyed it all. I am so proud of her.
Aurelia loves happy faces so I got some temporary tattoos for her party. The girls loved them.
Henna and Koruna got matching Rainbow tattoos.
Honey have Reli a guitar for her birthday. She LOVES it. Aurelia "playing the ditar!"
Here are the girls watching Reli's favorite video:
Bouncing is such a fun activity. Here are the girls having a blast:
Getting a picture of me and Aurelia is sometimes a challenge. She loves me, but she does not love taking a picture with me.
Reli with her Auntie Berry:
The Mommas and surrogate Mommas:
Aurelia has been showered with gifts from her friends and family near and far. She has more wonderful books and toys than any kid could ever hope for. In true toddler fashion, her recent favorites have been a bar of soap that Grandma Becky gave to me and the two lipsmackers chapsticks in a tiny purse that she got from her Honey. She has enjoyed all of her new gifts, but those were some standouts. She also adored a box of large crayons that she spent days ripping the labels off of. (Note to future gift-givers: spend less money, you have already won her over with your love).
Here we are reading with Reli one morning. Keep in mind, this is a library book we got less than 2 weeks ago. She memorizes what you say. Beware!
Here is Vivi being enchanted by our friend Brendo:
We have had many adventures since my last post. Over New Years we went to Odessa for Papasita's 60th birthday surprise. Boy, was he ever surprised. Aurelia was in heaven following Grandma Becky and Papasita around. They could not leave the room without Aurelia constantly asking where they were. She has come to understand the love of her grandparents and has charmed the pants off each and every one of them whether grandparents by blood, adopted or chosen. Thank you to each and every one of you - you know who you are.
I will have to do a retrospective post of our Odessa fun. Coming soon to a theater near you!
