Turning Two.

I can't look at this picture lately without getting tears in my eyes.
 I don't know what happened but just yesterday we welcomed this beautiful little girl into our family-
and today she turned two.
 Although time passing too quickly is the reason for a couple tears, the majority of tears come when I think back about what I felt at that moment.

I was overwhelmed. I was young, had just been married a year, and trying to finish a bachelor's degree. I didn't know what to do with a baby- I didn't know what to do with THIS baby. I was scared I was going to mess up (I still am) and I was scared that I wasn't tough enough to be her mom (this is a fleeting feeling but still there at times).

But, as I look back, its not the overwhelmed feeling that gets the water works going. No, its wanting to go back and tell the past me to take a chill pill, everything is going to be just fine. . . you have just been given the most amazing blessing. This little girl will help you grow up, she will help you find more happiness than you ever thought possible. She will teach and inspire you. And she is going to be one of your best friends.

I honestly can't believe how much happiness Afton has brought to both Kenton and I.
 We were feel so lucky to be her parents!

We kept the celebrations low key this year. We took Afton to McDonald's to get a happy meal and play on the toys. She was uninterested in climbing into a tube (probably claustrophobia that she gets from me) but she loved her apple slices and the princess crown that came in her happy meal (I must say, the most appealing happy meal toy I have seen in a while!)
 We then came home, opened presents, ate some cake, and went to bed. Like I said, low key!
 But, we have fun together so it was just perfect for us!

Here are some Afton likes at the moment (just for my own personal record keeping):

.books, books, books

.Princesses (especially Tangled- thanks Grandma Parkinson!)

.saying things like "cute sweater mom" or "I'm so bootiful"

.makeup (i.e. lip gloss and any other makeup she can get her hands on before I catch her)

.looking pretty

.Mrs. Potato Head (and everything MUST be in the right place)

.blankets (she sleeps with about five but requests that two be with her at all times- thanks Grandma Anderson for the new addition- it is the favorite!)

.her friends (McKayla, Huck, Miles, Alvin, etc.)

.singing songs (Twinkle, Twinkle, ABC's, I am a Child of God, Old McDonald)- mostly the right words never on key- so cute!

.Chicka Chicka Boom Boom and Brown Bear Brown Bear

Happy Birthday little girl! We love you so much!