August 3, 2015

Dinner For Two


Roo turns two today, although if she hears anyone mention it she will insist, 'no I not two, I a big girl!'. She is so full of personality and joy and sass; scowling at anyone new with a look that could kill, barking orders to the whole family, throwing violent tantrums at the drop of a hat... but also erupting into the best belly laughs, dancing morning and night, and sweetly letting us know, 'I love you' in her raspy little voice that I wish I could bottle up and save forever.


We celebrated with a simple family barbecue and a lemon blueberry cake, as requested. We managed to clear the books and tools off of the table for the occasion and sat in the dining room for the first time since moving. It was very low key, but the kids were still super excited and I was amazed by how much Roo 'got it' at such a young age. She is completely determined to grow up as fast as she can and break my heart. 


Some of my favorite moments: she carried around an outdated restaurant guide all day claiming it was her 'birthday book' and asking James to read reviews / she was overjoyed by my pom-pom efforts (despite certain skeptics in the household) and lit up when I tied some in her hair / Little Smith decided it was also Foxy's birthday (his beloved stuffed animal), inciting lots of protest from the actual birthday girl / both of the kids sat glued to their seats the whole time James was overseeing the grill, just being silly and making eachother laugh / her favorite gift was a kit of babydoll gear thoughtfully selected by her brother with pretend food and diapers, she changed diapers all evening, she is so nurturing to all of her babies.


I remember the bittersweet heartache I felt when Little Smith turned two, and while it's unquestionably painful to see the baby rolls vanish and it's inconceivably fast, I am getting better at embracing the new milestones and the inevitable fact that kids grow up. I am so in love with her right now that it seems as though no stage could ever be better, but I know there is magic in every year and the connections only get stronger. I'm just holding my breath that she goes easy on me with the looming reputations of those two's and three's. This one is already ruling the whole house and giving me more gray hair by the day!


I think two is going to be quite the year for this girl. We love you so much baby. You are the perfect balance of sugar and spice, and we couldn't feel any luckier to have you around to start every day bright and early with full force. Happy Birthday sweet Roo.


*picture overload! what can i say, it's feast or famine in the blogging department these days... plus i am going to be up in three hours with the birthday girl, so it's no time for editing or coherent thoughts :)