A birthday girl turns 2!

March 10, 2013 marked Nell's 2nd birthday!

Clara recently asked me about the phrase "terrible twos" she had been hearing about so I tried to explain why people say that.  Not that she needs a verbal explanation when an actual exhibit of this fact lives with her...but regardless, after explaining what two year olds can be like, she said "I think it should be called the troublesome twos".  I thought it was pretty insightful and cute.  She thought it was unfair to label anyone as terrible.  I agree.

While Nell has a strong and at times spunky personality, she is incredibly funny and I keep thinking to myself "she is at my favorite age", but then that just keeps changing with her.  She is an enjoyable person to have around.  Her siblings absolutely adore her and she (typically the first child awake) is always excited to be the first to give a morning hug to Clara and Jonas.  She must also be the first to hug them when they come home from school.  I love the bonds my children share, and even if she and Jonas know exactly how to push each others' buttons, they are good friends.

There are times when she is playing with Jonas and wants him to follow her somewhere so she will get down, look him in the eye, say something like "come Jonas" and then will crawl next to him to make sure they stay together.  Off they'll go to make mischief together.  Then again, she will also take off in his walker when given the chance.

There are other times when I see Nell trying to be just like Clara, her admired older sister.  I enjoyed watching Clara (oblivious to what was going on) sitting on the couch when Nell climbed up next to her and tried very hard to cross her legs just like Clara's.  Once she had accomplished that, Clara shifted and naturally, Nell followed suit.  It was pretty cute to watch.

To celebrate Nell's birthday we went on a family bike ride the day before, trying out our newly acquired double bike trailer.

They both loved the ride although I personally think they look nervous in this following picture.  Who wants to ride behind a delirious dad anyway?

The morning of her actual birthday she woke up to her birthday string and her $2 that I have no idea what she will do with. :)

Clara and Jonas enjoyed helping Nell along her string getting her little gifts and candies.

Then everyone enjoyed the sharing her birthday cereal, Frosted Flakes.

After church, we skyped with Grandma and Grandpa Morris as she unwrapped presents.

I am guessing she was expecting a snake to jump out based on her expression.

Thankfully it was an innocent doll stroller.

Nell went down for a quick nap while we made dinner and cake in preparation for family to come over.

When she woke up she was magically transformed into a very mature child and chose to read Harry Potter while sitting in her cousin's car seat.  Who needs easy readers?

We had a great time with everyone, eating and talking.

While Nell needed some help blowing out her candles, she did not require help eating her cake and ice cream.

To finish off a pretty perfect day - for a two year old - she ran around the house with her adorable cousins, Syri and Capri.  These three are so close in age and so cute together.  It was fun to watch them laughing, running and playing.  They are typically clothed - but not always.

I didn't interview Nell like I usually do, figuring I wouldn't get very far, but I can say that she is such a fun person to spend my days with.  I love getting her out of her crib each morning.  Over the past few months, she has decided she needs three different "blankies" to sleep with.  Each night we count them out while we lay them on her and we can't say goodnight until all three are perfectly smoothed out.  When I get her in the morning, she grabs all three and then has me pick her up.  It is like picking up two children at once!  I've tried to dissuade her but it's a losing battle - unless I am willing to have her cries wake up neighboring Jonas.  She then insists on being held and cuddled for a while.  Once she is down, she is off and running.  I love that she doesn't typically walk around the house but prefers running.  That sound makes me happy.  After her naps, Nell also insists on being held and cuddled each day.  I appreciate that she forces me to slow down a little and enjoy my time with her.

Nell loves playing with Jonas.  They like to play with trains and the marble run.  She also likes getting out the play jewelry and putting on every last piece.  Outside is her favorite place to be, even in a Utah winter.  She enjoys drawing and books are another favorite.  We read quite a few stories each day, but her favorite is "Madeline" which elicits a giggle each time I read "to the tiger at the zoo, Madeline just says poo-poo".  Apparently she has picked up her brother's sense of humor.

I am grateful for this little girl and how much happiness she brings to our home.  I love you, Nell.  And I love that you now say "Love you" each day to me.