Birthday Girl

Annika turned 2 today. I don't think she's figured out what birthdays are all about yet, but I think she enjoyed it anyway. Ian was with friends most of the day, so it was pretty peaceful. We didn't have the usual bullying. My alarm clock woke me up this morning and I realized Annika had broken her sleep record. She slept for a full 10 hours in her own bed... amazing! I can't remember when I slept for 8 hours straight the last time.

This little girl is growing up so quickly. She kind of had a rough afternoon because of a nasty diaper rash, but then daddy came home and we had pizza (one of Annika's favorites) for dinner and of course cake after that. Annika had chosen chocolate cake with chocolate frosting. We've sort of started a tradition of topping the kids birthday cakes with a small toy. Annika's was a playmobil unicorn and princess. She immediately started to play with the unicorn and Kaelyn and Ian were insanely jealous. They now want to buy their own unicorns with their next allowance. Anyway, after singing happy birthday, Annika tried to blow out her #2 candle, but she hasn't really learned how to blow yet. She tried and tried and we tried to put the cake closer to her, but finally the flame went out with a little extra help from daddy.

Then it was time for presents. Annika loved her new pajamas from Grandpa & Grandma Clement and wanted to wear them right away. Kaelyn and Ian were a little overbearing, wanting to open every present for her. After opening all gifts, she started to pile them all in her lap to stop the others from playing with them, saying 'mine, mine.' Other presents included her very own Rosie engine (from Thomas wooden railway), some wooden food and dishes for her kitchen and a red haired, soft bodied Sigikid doll named Jelly Jinny. Annika loves dolls and really got into her role play. She had her go potty, read her a bedtime story and then got her a pillow and blanket and put her in bed right next to her. She repeatedly told her goodnight-night and gave her kisses, held her hand and finally threw her out of the bed. I think she was ready to go to sleep herself and doesn't tolerate any dolls or stuffed animals in her bed.

It's so fun that Annika has the same birthday as her cousin Alyssa who turned 7 today. Happy Birthday Alyssa!!! We love you and Kaelyn sent you a card for your birthday.