Emma turns 2!

Emma had a fantastic Ariel/Little Mermaid/Under the Sea Birthday Party! And I had a fun time with the decorations. I will admit to doing something a little silly: I had two games planned. A fishing game with magnets and buried treasure, which was jewels and eye patches under confetti. The kids sure did enjoy making a mess with the confetti but they could have cared less about the games.

Emma had fun wearing her Ariel costume and running around with her friends. With all of our practicing with the Birthday song and candles, Emma still cried. At least we had a smile afterwards, with tears. Hope everyone had a great time! Here are pictures:

Emma's Birthday Party: Decorations

I had the best time decorating for Emma's Under the Sea birthday party. Emma is obsessed with Ariel so we went along with that theme. I had more ideas but ran out of time.:

Treasure chest made from styrofoam cooler and spray paint. Also made the cutest whales/fish from clay pots and pipe cleaners that are sitting on this table: 

 I had an idea for a fishing game with magnets and paper clips but the kids weren't interested. They did love running around with the balloons and playing in the pool:

 Standard party food fare: veggies, fruit, cheese/crackers, nugget tray, gold fish and assorted drinks and cocktails:

 Sign, Ariel, Flounder, and Sebastian were made by me (and the Cricut):

 Ariel themed cake made by Kroger:

Emma: 24 Months

* We are snowed in again and I was so worried that Emma's birthday party would have to be postponed. Gymnastics cancelled again!
* Greg was working from home during the ice/snow storm, which makes Emma grumpy because she wants to play with Daddy. We painted a lot and went outside a few times. Emma's favorite part about the snow was sledding down the hill in the laundry basket.
* Emma and Daddy built their first snowman!
* Emma's birthday party weekend and family in town. Yay for Aunt Stacy, Mimi and Granddad visiting.
* Clipped Emma's 3 pacifiers and Emma decided she didn't like them so we put them in the mailbox as Emma requested. She said that she is helping babies. Been doing great without them, although we are still having trouble falling asleep without Mama or Dada staying in the room. She also still wakes about several nights a week. Luckily, all I need to do is go in there and lay her back down and Emma goes back to sleep on her own. An easy transition with her gigis!

Emma: 1 Year 52 weeks

* Still loves to "help" me make dinner, including such dangerous things at stirring pots. She also likes to shove a kitchen chair to the fridge to get her own water.
* Very independent, almost too-independent!
* Had a medal ceremony at the end of gymnastics. Emma was so excited to receive her medal, although I think that the growing class size is getting to be too much for Emma. She still enjoys running around the big gym; however, she doesn't like to "work on her skills" in the small gym.
* Trying to put pants on by herself. She can pull up in the front, but her booty hangs out in the back.
* Emma and Daddy had a fun day on Saturday so that Mama can clean up for Emma's birthday party. They bought an Ariel costume at the Disney store and had a Daddy/Daughter date at CFA. I love that CFA runs these special nights. Emma and Greg had reservations at CFA and included tablecloths and roses on the table.
* Been practicing Happy Birthday song and candle blowing with Emma all week. She is great at blowing out the candle but cries when we sing to her the HB song.
* Obsessed with suckers, her treat for burying her baby pacifier.
* Ice and a little snow on her birthday. Emma's favorite part: riding down the hill in the laundry basket. 

Emma: 1 year 51 weeks

 * Buried her baby pacifier so a surprise could grow the next morning. We are starting to transition her out of the pacifier. 7 suckers grew in place of the 1 pacifier!
* We are snowed in and missing gymnastics (again!) At least Emma enjoys playing outside for brief periods. Emma likes to eat icicles.
* Potty training is going okay; still have about 5 pee accidents a week because she's not telling me when she needs to go.
* Replaced A/C units over the weekend.
* Took Emma to see General Lee, the state Groundhog on Groundhog's Day. Emma loved helping her Daddy feed all of the animals.
* Helps Mama cook dinner every night; making pizza is a favorite because she can taste everything while helping. 
* Enjoyed going outside for once without a jacket!

Emma: 1 year 50 weeks

* Baked Minnie Mouse valentine's cookies with Emma. What a helper! She loves to help in the kitchen.
* Emma's first snow! She loves it! Emma kept saying "It's Snowing!"
*Enjoys playing with Daddy on the weekends; tired of seeing Mama all day.
* Likes to call me Mom ... I am not a fan
* Loves wearing tutus/skirts over pants.
* Plays with dolls.
* Favorite activity at the mall: riding the carousel!
* Prefers to pick out her own outfit. Picks out her panties every day, usually Rapunzel. She has her choice of Rapunzel or Minnie Mouse.
* Favorite snack: fruit snacks.
* Apparently can pour from a tap ... keeping it classy. Don't worry, the keg was empty!
* Into Sesame Street and can name most of the characters; Elmo and Abby are favorites.