Lauren Grace: 2 years

Last Sunday, Lauren celebrated her 2nd birthday.  Another birthday without daddy.  Luckily she is young enough to not fully understand that he isn't here. I understand though and it breaks my heart.  I wish that he could enjoy these special days with our little girls.  I wish that we could celebrate these milestones as a family.  I pray that we have many many many more birthdays to celebrate with Kevin, despite the fact that we have missed the last 2 years of birthdays/anniversaries/holidays etc. 

This birthday was so much more fun than her 1st birthday! I really think all of the hype should be about birthday numero dos!  Sure, sure, the first birthday is a big deal..but more for the parents. More a celebration of "We made it a whole year without killing or seriously harming our child! We did it!" The child really has no concept of what is going on.  At least that's what I've noticed from my experience.
The second birthday was completely different.  Lauren understood and was quite excited!  I didn't start hyping it up until the day before saying "Lauren you will be TWO tomorrow and get presents and treats!!"  ... The actual morning of her birthday she woke up and said to me "Presents, tomorrow?" and I said "Presents TODAY!".  She smiled and squealed and then jumped into my arms. It was so precious. 

We started out the day by letting her pick out her own birthday dress.  She picked out her lime green striped dress with a cupcake on it! How appropriate!

 

We then went to get her a special sprinkle birthday donut.  For some reason, here in the Fort Riley area, we are lacking a good homemade bakery.  We settled on Casey's donuts.. It's also the shortest drive for us too.  She loved her chocolate frosted donut with sprinkles!!

                                                                    Lots of playtime!

Lot's of presents!

and best of all..cupcakes and the birthday song and candles with DADDY!!! Even if it was just on Skype. It was the most special part of our day.  I may have cried..Ok I bawled..

All in all..a WONDERFUL day!

Lauren's stats: 26.4lbs and 35 inches!