Our Helper

Lately, Stella wants to do everything that we do. When it comes to cleaning, I'm all for it!

Sleep Walker

I can't believe that I haven't blogged about this yet! I talked about changing Stella's bed in a previous post and the first few nights went very well. Then, she spent a few nights getting up a few times before finally drifting off to sleep around 10:30 or 11. We were ok with that, too. What we weren't prepared for was finding her asleep on the kitchen rug! We have no idea what time she got out of bed. She was in her room when I went to sleep at midnight, and Stephen found her in the kitchen at 6:15. It looks like she had a little fun with her refrigerator magnets before curling up with her blanket. Awwww! The last several nights have been smooth except for a slight hiccup last night. She climbed up her chair and turned her bedroom light on a few times and then came out of her bedroom once. It's a process, but she's catching on quickly. In other news, Stella is using her potty chair once or twice a day. Woohoo!

Invite

My creative friend, Lauren, designed Stella's super cute invitations for her party this year. She posted about it on her blog today. She recently transitioned from a part-time designer and full-time accountant to owning her own design business and concentrating solely on her awesome talent. I am so proud for her. She has some really cool things for sale on her website and you can also find her designs on Minted.

It's hard to believe that she moved from Union City 15 years ago!

Rub-a-dub-dub

Stella got some new stuff for the tub.

Bubble bath, bath fizzies, bathtub crayons, and more. Bath time is lots of fun now thanks to some awesome birthday gifts.

Stella went for her 2 year check up today and she is doing so well. She is still tiny at only 22 1/2 lbs.

Sigh . . .

I cried. Apparently, I can't handle the transition to the toddler bed.

Checking out the new bed. . .





This is a sad face because Layla wouldn't listen when she asked her to come on. "'mon, Layla!"



All better!




I have to admit that I was happy that she still wanted to reach for us to help her down.

TWO

Stella is now two and what a celebration we had! It's been a great weekend full of fun, friends, and family. I can't believe that our baby is a big girl. I look back over blog posts from the past two years and get a little sad, but also happy at how much she grown and learned.

This year we had a county fair theme for Stella's party. It was at our church, Second Baptist. Lots of our favorite people were there and we all filled up on some delicious sweets. There were games for the kids and Stella opened fun gifts. I'm thankful for everyone who came and made her day so special.

CHEESE!

Stella hasn't been feeling well for the past few days, but you couldn't tell tonight while she was cuddling with her daddy. Layla hopped in their laps and that started major giggles from Stella.

My Loves

My two favorite people.

"Bass"

Stella got some cool bath toys from Mamaw and Papaw for Christmas. She loves them and bath time. If you ask her if she's ready for a bath, she goes to our hall closet where the towels are stored and stands there trying to take off her clothes. Since she hasn't mastered the "th" sound, bath normally sounds like "bass".

She actually loves to have her hair shampooed and rinsed. (Thankfully, since she has a mop on that head!)





She noticed I had the camera when she turned around so she said, "CHEESE!"

2012

We spent the first day of the new year with our family in Missouri. We celebrated Christmas together and ate our lucky black eyed peas. 2 holidays in one! Stella loved visiting with everyone. She talked about them all of the way home. We have a busy month ahead as we celebrate half of the family's birthdays and anniversaries. I hope the ice and snow play nice so we can all celebrate together. Stephen, Stella, and I wish each of you a happy, healthy year rich in God's blessings. We're anxious to see what 2012 has to offer!