My baby turned 2

Ryleigh turned two over Memorial Day weekend. Two. Years. Old. WOW.

I have so many thoughts and feelings about her being two, but truthfully cannot articulate them very well. In so many ways, it feels like she was only born yesterday. I look at her little cheeks, and still see my baby. Then, there are times like she has always been a part of our family, and I do not remember what life was like before her. Ryleigh is a part of us in a way that I never could have anticipated or understood before she came along. So to celebrate the day she entered our lives, we will always stop and remember how much blessing she brings to our lives.

This year we celebrated the night before her birthday and just had family over for hot dogs and cake. It was very low-key, but a fun night.

Little Miss was showing everyone "how Mommy sits" in the lounger. Ha!
Cute picture of Ryleigh with Aunt Julie

Hanging out in the backyard

The kids playing ball...the big kids, that is...Justin and Jesse :)

Time to sing and blow out candles! Ryleigh was a little apprehensive at first, holding onto Daddy, but then she enjoyed blowing out the candles, with a little help from her cousins.

Present-opening time!! Note to self for the future: don't open the "fun" presents first. Ryleigh was not really into opening presents, so Jesse brought her a big package, which happened to be a lawn mower that blows bubbles. Well, we could NOT get her to stop playing with her toy long enough to open any more presents- she simply was not interested in anything else! So, next time, we open clothes and such first, and then work our way up to the toys. She received tons of great clothes and fun toys, and no one can say that this little girl is not spoiled!!

Check out some of the toys:

Ryleigh "cuttin' a grass" wearing her "cool dude" sunglasses.

Learning how to use the scooter

Her first tricycle from Gaga and Grandaddy. Bell and all!

And just for fun (fun for all of you, not so much for me), here is a picture of the belly! Keep in mind that when you are squished on a toddler tricycle, things stick out more than normal, but still. The belly is definitely there, and now, being 23 weeks along (almost 6 months), I guess that is okay with me.

Happy 2nd birthday, baby girl. Mommy and Daddy love you more than we can say, and cannot imagine life without you! Thank you for all the memories these past two years, and we look forward to the next...oh, 50 years or so. We love you!