Arden's Second Birthday

I don't think Dave and I can believe that Arden is two already. I know every parent says this, but I feel like she was just born, and at the same time I feel like her first birthday was just yesterday. And also fulfilling the cliche- I couldn't imagine my life without her. She is so different from where she was this time last year. She's become a little person and not a baby anymore. She's learned to walk and to start talking (where it makes sense- sort of). While she's only put on a few pounds, she's quickly burning energy by running and exploring all over the place. She continues to melt our hearts asking for hugs and kisses, and test our patience with the tantrums and fussiness, but with the good there is the not so good, right? It's all about balance and I'd say there's a lot more good to balance out the not so good. It's crazy to think this is the last birthday that she'll have sort of by herself, and that next year she'll have a sister to celebrate with her. I remember her first birthday being emotional for me, that my baby was growing up, but this birthday I saw more as a milestone for how far we've all come and grown.

She had her 2 year check up where she weighed in at 23 pounds 7 oz- still small, but she's always been small and the doctor has never been concerned. And she's 32. 5 inches tall.


In addition to going to Sesame Street Live (see post below) her birthday was celebrated with her Noani & Poppi coming up and decking her out with girlie gifts including a sparkly pink purse, bangle bracelets, pink sparkly shoes, and new pink glasses. She was in heaven and didn't put the purse down for the next few hours. She also got toys and books from Noani & Poppi, Uncle Brian & Aunt Amy which she spent quite some time opening and exploring. Dave and I got her a new sand & water table which she has enjoyed playing with outside. The following day she had an elmo themed party at North Hills park playing with a bunch of her friends and our friends kids. I made about 40 elmo cupcakes that I got the idea from here- relatively easy, just make sure you don't start decorating at 9:30 at night like I did. She had a great time playing at the playground, even going down the slide which she's normally not that into. She got a bit shy when everyone started to sing to her, but then she was excited about blowing out her candle!

Happy Birthday little girl! We love you!