Ethan's 2nd Birthday

Somehow, my "baby" boy is now 2! I'm not quite sure how two whole years have elapsed already, but the calendar assures me that they have. We had a small family-only celebration for his big day. He loves trains, so I decided to go with a Thomas theme. The cake came with some train toys. Ethan "helped" me blow out the candles and seemed to enjoy all the attention.

When it came time to eat the cake, he was very eager to dig in. However, he couldn't figure out how to eat it. He first tried to take a bite by picking the whole piece up with his hands. But he didn't like getting frosting on his hand, so he would set the piece back down and say "Uh-oh" until someone wiped his hands clean. He tried this method a few times without success. Then he tried to use a fork to break off a piece, but his little hands just couldn't coordinate the action well enough. I offered to cut it into small pieces for him so he could use his fork and he adamantly refused. This little one hates for his food to be cut in any way after it reaches his plate (if you cut it before you give it to him, it's apparently fine). So he was in a pickle. He desperately wanted the cake, but he couldn't figure out a way to eat it without getting his hands messy and without having the piece "ruined" by cutting. I felt bad for him (it was his birthday after all!!), so I cut him a second piece of cake and cut it into small pieces before I put it on his plate. He happily gobbled it down without a second's hesitation. Notice that the original piece sits untouched in the middle of his plate while he scarfs down the smaller pieces :)

Then came time for present opening.

It was a nice sunny day outside, so he got to enjoy some time outside.

A family picture.

Uncle Andrew and Aunt Lindsey were able to join us. Gran was there too. Kaitlyn's already making plans for her birthday in May. She has already requested a princess cake.

Happy Birthday, sweet Ethan! I can't wait to see what new and exciting things this year has in store for you.

Kaitlyn's Spring Program

Kaitlyn's preschool held their spring program last week before spring break. Each class featured a book by Eric Carle, and Kaitlyn's class chose "The Grouchy Ladybug". They painted ladybug shirts to wear, and they sang several songs about ladybugs. Although I wouldn't call Kaitlyn an enthusiastic performer, she actually opened her mouth a few times on stage and mouthed some words. We're making progress! :)

Here is a picture of her whole class on stage. I know that Kaitlyn is tall for her age, but I guess I didn't realize just how tall until I saw her standing in a line with her friends. To be fair, though, several of the kids in her class are a few months younger than her. But since there are no short genes on either side of our family, I don't think they'll be catching up to her any time soon!

After each class performed their songs, all of the kids got back up on stage and sang some group songs. Kaitlyn was more interested in watching us in the audience. I can't believe that next year will be her last year of preschool. I can't even fathom kindergarten.