2 Years Old!

Today Mr. Gabe turns two! While it is a really big deal we wanted to tone down the celebration just a notch. Last year we celebrated with lots of friends, family and a Bumble Bee theme splashed in all areas of the house. This year we decided to narrow the guest list down to family and Gabe's closest buddy Gracie Bearinger. In addition I stuck with the minimum for decoration, rather than make a bunch of items I used his cupcakes to decorate the house and set the festive tone.

Grandma Holz has been practicing blowing out the candles with Gabe for awhile now and he did excellent.

Gabe's been a bit irritated by messy hands, so it was no surprise that he attacked his cupcake using only his mouth.

Gabe was of course spoiled with presents and while his Daddy and I really appreciate the clothes, he had stronger feelings for balls, bats, books, a wagon, basket ball hoops and other TOYS!

10 Things I Love About My 2 Year Old:

1. He continues to be a great cuddler, especially when he first wakes up in the morning and after naps. We've been known to lay in bed for thirty minutes in the morning talking about Gabe's dreams, our plans for the day and giggling.

2. He's systematic and tidy. He doesn't like to leave the room unless we've already turned off all the lights, music, tv, etc. and said 'good bye'. His meal is distracted if a drawer across the kitchen is open. He points and says 'uh oh' until I fix whatever problem he's noticed.

3. While an introvert he likes when everyone is involved. When we pray before meals he ensure that everyone is participating before we start and if there's singing he points and says 'more' at anyone who attempts to skip out of the song.

4. He loves to run! It's not so special in the world of two year olds but for me, his mama, who worried his clubbed feet might make it more challenging, it's a pretty big deal.

5. He can verbally communicate almost all his needs. Though he sometimes gets frustrated with me when I don't understand, we keep talking and eventually we've got it figured out.

6. He's a great sleeper. He still naps about 3 hours every day, and almost 12 every night! He doesn't fight naps or bed time, though sometimes he's sad to leave the room if we have guests.

7. Gabe's gentle and generous with his friends. Just recently he helped me pat the back of a friend's crying baby while I held her.

8. Though his strong will has made more appearances of late, he remains a generally compliant little guy.

9. Gabe loves to play outside and often cries big tears when we have to go back inside. Give him a ball, grass and decent weather and he's self entertained for hours. Only a week ago we spent three hours outside; I gardened and he ran around the yard with a ball.

10. Sometimes for no reason at all he runs across the room to give me a great big hug and kiss!