and then she slept until 7:30 this morning (when I had to wake her up for church!) I said "Happy Birthday," and then asked her how old she was. With a smile, she sleepily said: "Two!" (We've been prepping her for the day, but I still think that is pretty good that she realized she had "changed over." I decided not to get into the logistics of the fact that she actually wouldn't turn two until 2:44pm...maybe at 3...)
Since we will be having a couple different family parties in the next 2 weeks, we decided today would be laid back and geared towards Hannah (well, and to be fair, we did also celebrate Father's Day, and Hannah did a great job sharing the day. :) After having breakfast (Hannah got sprinkles on her pancake & Daddy got a See's Truffle), we headed to church and told lots of people about Hannah's special day. (That's okay, right?!) After that, we came home, Hannah had lunch, and then she proceeded to take a 3-hour Birthday Nap. (Everything today could be classified as a "Birthday whatever.") After checking in to be sure she still knew she was two, we gave her a present, which was a huge box of sidewalk chalk. Fortunately, the weather was just turning sunny at that point, so we were able to go outside to do some artsy designs on the porch. Truth be told, I think Keith was more enthralled with the chalk than Hannah, but she still had lots of fun! :) Later we went for a walk and then Hannah got to swing to her heart's content at the park. (Shhh, don't tell her, but Keith is building a swing for her that will be unveiled at her birthday party in a couple weeks...) Then we headed to Mom & Dad's for a BBQ to celebrate Dads & Hannah. Hannah's Great-Grandparents got to be there, as well as a special visit from Cousin Nancy. I think it's safe to say that Hannah felt loved, special, and very excited about turning two--especially since that got her a little slice of chocolate cake and even a spoonful of ice cream!! During the visit, she also got to talk with Aunt Senia, and at one point during that riveting conversation, Hannah left the room as if to say "I need some privacy to talk to Auntie right now." On the way home, Hannah got a call from her Grandma Theresa, who she will be seeing in just a few short days. Hannah talked with both Grandma & Grandpa--at the same time!--(after which Keith said "Oh yeah, I forgot about that feature of landlines.")
Overall, I think Hannah's birthday was wonderful, and it was the first time she really seemed to understand the significance. We've talked a lot about birthdays in the last few weeks, especially since Hannah has a few different friends who have turned 2 already! There were many points during the day where I felt little twinges of tears, mostly out of joy for the happiness & blessing I feel when I realize that I get to have Hannah as my daughter. She does so many things that just crack me up and even when she is throwing a temper tantrum (because you know, she has now entered the "Terrific Twos," as we call them in our house), I can't help but smile at her dramatic flair.
She really is such a dear daughter, and I really want to try and cherish each day & moment with her. I hear that the time goes faster and faster as they grow, and if the last 3 years are any indication (meaning from the time I was pregnant with her), I definitely agree!
I've also attached a picture of the happy girl with her cake, just so you can see (the obvious) difference from yesterday to today. ;) (Sorry the picture is kind of grainy; I don't know why that happened...)
