handsful

Lainey, on the morning of her 2nd birthday, July 4, 2008.  She was greeted by very smiley parents and the flash of a camera.  She has momma and baby tiger both tucked safely under each arm. 

She was then whisked to the breakfast table for cinnamon muffins and blueberry cream oatmeal.  She loves using her own spoon to feed herself now…we delayed teaching her that prior to surgery, knowing it would only make it more frustrating for her when she couldn’t feed herself.  Clean up is a little more of a challenge, but our dog Jack is happy to help out if I miss something on the floor. 

Every birthday girl has to look her best for cake and presents, so we gave her a relaxing bath.  Don’t worry, pouring water over her head is her favorite part of the bath…she asks for “mo” (more!) over and over. 

Dressed and hair-bowed, she was ready for some presents!  Here’s something I bet you’ve never heard of…a two year old who is compelled to throw away, in the trash can, every single piece of paper that she pulls off the present.  We ended up bringing a trashcan in the room, to speed things up! 

Lainey do you like your new cozy coupe car?  I think she does.  We also got her a tricycle with a handle that we can turn to help her steer (great find at a consignment shop, actually!), a toddler computer toy, a Lainey-sized patio chair, and a shape sorter. 

She tried very hard to blow out her candles, but she just hasn’t mastered blowing through her mouth yet.  She either ends up blowing through her nose or sputtering through her mouth.  She’ll get it eventually, until then big sister Abbey helped her blow them out. 

She began tasting her cake, very daintily.  You can’t see it, but her bib is embroidered with “Lainey” under the cupcake.  A wonderful, online friend surprised us with her handiwork last week.  Thank you again, Kelly! 

Then, she started to enjoy herself. 

She usually hates to get her hands messy, but she made an exception…just this time. 

Switching gears to July 4th…we all dressed up and went to Jon and Anne’s house for a cook-out.  Despite Lainey missing her nap, she had a blast.  She kept Randy in the pool for over an hour, we had to get her out by promising her food!  Even though it was only her 3rd time ever in a pool, she was jumping in forwards AND backwards and the higher Randy tossed her the more she laughed.  She had the whole crowd smiling. 

Happy Birthday, Lainey.  We love you more than we thought possible.  God has given us a gift we are so unworthy of…you.  If only we could let your birthmother know how much you are loved.