Bridgie turns 2

Our baby is two today. She is so big, smart and able. She is also so gentle and snuggly. She looks to us and needs us. It is a good age. We celebrated yesterday as a family. We went out to dinner to Applebee's and we ended the meal with waitreses singing a birthday song and dessert. Bridget was a little freaked out by the singing and attention but smiled after they left and said "Ladies sing 'happy to me' ". She dug right into her sundae.

When we came home, she opened her gifts. First she opened gifts from Grandma Kate and PawPaw. It took her a long time to get the wrapping paper off of the first few gifts. Rachael and Megan were eager to get them open and sometimes took over. But they found the balance of helping and not hindering and then letting Bridget do the final reveal. As soon as Bridget saw the puzzle that PawPaw had made of her name, she had to take it apart and put it together. It is always fun to hear her say "I did it". Megan couldn't help herself, she helped unwrap and put together and play with all of the new things. The new Snoopy played the happy birthday tune many times even while Bridget's hands were full with a new barbie of her own and a baby Snow White doll from her sisters.

Birthday breakfast started Bridget's day off sweetly. She was the first kid awake so I rocked her in the rocking chair in her room while they got the food ready. She beamed when they came in with the breakfast tray singing "Happy Birthday". Today she got to enjoy the syrup and waffles first. Then she shared pieces with each of us. The big girls and I had work and school, but Jim, Megan and Bridget had the day to enjoy. Jim said Megan and Bridget played with barbies and the little kitchen and baby dolls all day. When he suggested lunch they ran away and back to toys.

Bridget is such a constant of pleasantness and kindness. She is teaching me so much. We feel so blessed and couldn't imagine our family without her. We will have a big family party in conjunction with Rachael's, Megan's and Sarah's birthdays in January.

Rachael's birthday is next Monday. On the 23rd we printed and sent out invitations to her slumber party. It is only 5 days notice before the party. That is a personal worst. I hope most of the girls can come. The invitation is super cute. It has a picture of Speckles wearing a party hat.