Shirley Jean turns TWO!

Two years ago today, my life changed forever with the birth of my sweet girl, Shirley Jean.
To celebrate her birthday, we went to the Mall of America to Build-A-Bear, and for some fun on the rides. I can't believe how the landscape of my life changed when Shirley became a part of it ...two years and nine months ago. What a blessing she is in our lives. Thank you, Lord, for our precious little girl.

Here are some photos from our special day together.

Lovin' one up already.

It was hard to choose just ONE bear...

Listening to all the noises the bears can make.

Naming, "Shirley's Birthday Bear."
Stuffing our bear.

All done! Look at that smile!

Registering Birthday Bear so if she is ever lost, she will be returned to us.

(I'm not even kidding.)

The final product.

Riding the PIGGY! with Daddy.

For those of you who don't know, the Piggy says, "ONK." Butterfly Birthday Cake when we got home!

Daddy is so funny--he wanted SJ to blow out the candles!

St. Patty

Two years ago I was in labor...I didn't even get corned beef and cabbage! We have more than made up for it this year. :)

Why?

Why not wear your swimsuit over your jammies at 10:30 at night? I'm wearing mine RIGHT NOW.

Less is More

Shirley Jean still needs to learn an important lesson when it comes to beauty: "More, Mama??" is not always better, though...the jury is still out.

A Special Party for a Special Girl

We had a very small second birthday party for Shirley Jean this weekend. I think she had a wonderful time! Here are some pictures from our special day:

We love balloons!
It's my party and I'll cry if I want to.

This is the face SJ makes when I ask her to smile for the camera.

Loving the new tricycle!
Uncle Ryan is one of Shirley Jean's very favorite people.

Like the new shoes??

One last gift!

A sleeping bag!! Let the slumber parties begin!

At this point, I think birthday parties are more for the mommies than the two-year-olds, but we had a wonderful day together.

36 Weeks

I can't believe I'm already 36 weeks. Only a month to go! Life has been so busy lately that I haven't had a lot of time to focus on my pregnancy, which might be a good thing since I'm growing more uncomfortable and cumbersome by the day! BittyWee makes his or her presence known, however, by kicking and shoving violently, and last night I felt pretty serious hiccups for the first time. I had forgotten what a strange sensation that is!
I mentioned my varicose veins a couple weeks ago and I am very pleased to say that while they still bother me, they are GREATLY improved and causing a lot less pain. Thank you, Lord!
Lately I've been craving grilled-cheese sandwiches and WATER! I am very thirsty all the time. I also have been really enjoying an evening cup of decaf coffee after dinner. Although, that may just mean I'm turning into my grandma.
BabyCenter.com says that BittyWee weighs almost six pounds this week. That sounds about right, if baby is going to gain one ounce per day from here on out. At that rate, he or she will weigh about eight pounds, which is what SJ weighed when she was born. Follow my logic? Want me to stop talking? Ok, here's my photo:
I hate to beat a dead horse, but I keep asking Richard to take the most LEVEL photo he can, so that I look less pear-shaped. I don't think it's his fault.

Perpetual Motion

Two weeks ago, SJ and I went to an open gym in Woodbury. It is a gymnastics center that opens their doors for two hours per week for kids to come play and enjoy their equipment (for a small fee). We had a FANTASTIC time! Here are some photos from our day:

Going up...

Going down...
Over...
Dancing...

Balancing...

SJ LOVED the balance beams. She would have balanced all day! She moved a lot slower than some of the other kids, but she patiently shuffled from one end to the other over and over. (Holding Mama's hand, of course.)