Skylar Turns 2!!

As promised, this is one of those "catch-up" posts!

Well, because there was so much going on during the Summer - we had a really tough time picking the perfect date for her party! We didn't want to do it too early because in conflicted with other family members birthday parties and we didn't want to do it too late because Brycen was due July 1st! Oh...and let's not forget that Father's Day was right in the middle of planning too!

So after much stress, we settled on June 24th! Sound familiar?! Yep - Bubba made his entrance into the world on that date so the party was cancelled! Thankfully however, we celebrated a "small" party for her on her actual birthday of June 12th just in case mommy couldn't be there for her big party! So here's some pics of the fun...and the enormous belly! ;)

She had so much fun and I'm so glad we managed to get it done!! Matthew and I intend on making her party extra special this year since she didn't really have one last year!

I'll try and make a short list (of what I can remember) of things that she was into it at that time:

Woo - her favorite cuddly toy

Gee - her paci that would soon be taken away

Swimming - she loved spending ALL her time in Papa's pool

School - she had a mothers day out program that she enjoyed going to during the Summer

Babies - anything that was small...baby or teddy bear...she enjoyed "mothering"

Max and Ruby - one of her favorite shows on Nick Jr (she used to call it "Nuts n Ruby")

Chicken Nuggets - this became a HUGE favorite and for a while it was all she'd eat

Hide and Seek - she played this with Daddy ALL the time and would say (daddy...et's go hide!!)

...so I'll update more as I think of them but that's what I've got for now....

My Precious Skylar,

As I write this, I'm already filled with so much emotion about reminiscing over the wonderful 2 1/2 years that have flown by too quickly! Right now is, I think, my favorite time with you because you are discovering and learning so much every day! I love having conversations with you and the silly way you giggle when you tell a story! You are so full of life that sometimes it's hard to keep up! You are my little energizer bunny that just keeps on going but I'm thankful for that because you really keep me going just by being you!

I think I often times forget, now that I have little Bryce here, about the miracle of you and I'm sorry for that! But I want and NEED you to know how much you have, and continue to, bless my life! As I said in my first letter to you and will say it over and over again, you are my miracle! You came at a time in my life when I needed you most and reaffirmed how mighty and majestic our God truly is! I prayed many of nights for a sweet little baby to nurture and take care of and God far exceeded my expectations when he sent me you! You have the biggest heart and every day you teach me something new. Not just about things you're discovering but things I'm discovering about myself! For instance, I never considered myself to be a very patient person and you've taught me that! Granted, you have a way of making mommy crazy at times but it one instant of your sweet grace, all my bad days or crazy moods are wiped away!

I love that you have a heart for learning! You are fascinated with being challenged and like a sponge, you absorb everything! Your Papa often says that you're as quick as a whip and Skylar, you really are! My prayer is that God can use your gifts and talents in a mighty way!!! You also have such a tender and loving heart - even if you sometimes have to get through the strong-willed barrier first!! So far you've been an amazing big sister and you help mommy with so much! You love to do what I do and that even includes changing bubba's diaper! I know there will come a day that you two will bicker like cats and dogs but I pray you remember how much God has blessed the both of you with each other! I know and believe in my heart that Brycen will always protect you and love you unconditionally!!!

I guess all that's really left to say is that I love you! I love everything about you and I praise God for each day I can spend with you! Thank you my sweet girl for everything you do for me and for all the ways you enrich my life! You are my precious joy!!

With all my love,

Mama