Our Two-Year-Old

I posted this on instagram, but have to share the most darling two-year-old ever. Please ignore my morning voice:

After the splish-party and post-nap, the festivities continued at home. Zuzu came downstairs to see a useful and not-at-all-obnoxious gift from Uncle Buck:

As improbable as it sounds, inflatable dinosaurs are sort of a running joke in our family. It goes back to the year that Uncle Buck got an inflatable dinosaur for his birthday from our Aunt Terri.

He was super into dinosaurs and seemed to love the gift (Aunt Terri is a good gift-giver), but my mom was a little worried that a 6' tall inflated T-Rex might kinda freak him out once the lights went out and he was in bed by himself. So when she tucked him in that night, she emphasized how nice the dinosaur was and said, "T-rex will watch over while you sleep tonight!"

Brandon nodded and replied quite matter-of-factly, "Now I won't need Jesus anymore."

And now my family has a running joke about inflatable dinosaurs replacing one's need for Jesus.


Anyway, Zuzu loved the dinosaur more than I expected her too. She was excited to have her picture taken with it. Then we had this conversation:

Me: Zuzu, what do you think we should name your dinosaur?

Zuzu: (silence)

Me: Don't you think your dinosaur needs a name? What would be a good name for a great big dinosaur?

Zuzu: Caroline!


Once the initial thrill of the inflatable dinosaur (possibly named Caroline) had subsided, it was time to turn the corner into the dining room and see...

the play kitchen!

Getting straight to business.

Making pancakes

And making tea

And then there were a few cards and presents to open from out-of-town family.

This was an adorable dress that Aunt Peggy got for her in Hawaii!

And then it was time for cake. We sang happy birthday to her and sat her at the kitchen table to blow out the candles on her cake.

TWO little ducks 

Aren't they cute? 

I realize now that we hadn't really prepped her for this. See these cute little ducks, Zuzu? LET'S LIGHT THEM ON FIRE!

OMG! THE DUCKS ARE ON FIRE!

Are you guys sure this is a good idea?

She kept saying, "No, Mama! Hot! HOT!" and then only blew very tentatively at the candles.

Blowing from a safe distance. We're thankful she plays with water and not with fire. 

But once the fire was out, she was more than happy to dig into her cake.

Happy Birthday, Zuzu!

We love you even more than you love cake!

I know she won't remember this birthday, but I hope all of them are just this happy.

In front of the baby-head banner I made for her first birthday and will display for every single birthday from now on.