Ella Bella Turns 2

My sweet little Ella turned 2 on July 16th.  With her being our baby right now, it hit me hard that she was turning 2.  A two year old is a toddler...she is still supposed to be a baby.  She is still supposed to need me.  She just can't grow up...not yet.  Every day, Paul and I comment on how big she looks.  I want to hold on to Ella baby forever.

Keeping tradition, I made her an Elmo cake via the method my mom always used

She really wanted a Dora cake, but I talked her into Elmo because Dora takes
forever and I have already done 3 Dora cakes in past years...maybe next year

But I do have to accept reality, and the reality is that she is getting more independent, saying more words everyday, fitting right in with the "big girls," and needing Paul and I less often.  She really is a sweet little girl.  She is a wild spirit who is either constantly in motion, screaming at the top of her lungs (either in delight or disgust), playfully growling at someone, or climbing up something.  Whatever she is doing, she is often giving us a good laugh.

We celebrated with the Klinkers on our trip to Lake Monroe.  It was nice to celebrate with family, especially her buddy and cousin, Julia, who often looked at Ella like she was from another planet.  Although their temperaments are quite different, I can tell they are going to be best buds.  Julia will be the one trying to keep Ella in line and Ella will bring out Julia's crazy side.  They will be trouble together :)

Very delighted with herself

Shoveling in the goodness

I pray she keeps her sweet disposition, even through the terrible twos...high hopes, I know.  She has been such a joy and a pretty easy going child...it would be nice to have one like that! 

Happy Birthday Ella Belle!  

You are such a blessing!