Gray's 2nd Birthday: the party.

So our Little Man turned 2 a couple of days before Christmas. We had previously decided to not do a huge birthday party for him this year and just keep it nice and simple. So we took him to Chuck E. Cheese for the first time and it was actually a blast. My whole family came and Gray ate a large amount of cake, and then everyone else's leftovers that Uncle Bud snuck to him behind my back. ;)

And I thought that was going to be that. 

But then the Sandyhook shooting took place, and it stirred something in me. I wanted to celebrate his life. We won't be having big parties for the kids every year, but turning "2" is kinda a big deal. ;) So we had a party for our  raspy-voiced, rough-and-tumble Little Man, in the only theme that seemed appropriate for him this year: 

A Mustache Bash.

There was... a photo booth. It was a blast for all who came. I'm pretty sure the adults had just as much fun as the kids. 

We tried to keep the party short and sweet by playing just 2 games. 

.game #1. hanging doughnuts. 

Doughnuts were hangin' from the ceiling. :) The kids had to hold their hands behind their back and eat their doughnut without holding onto it. It was super easy since we just did doughnut holes. ;) The kids all had a blast!

.game #2. pin the tie on gray. 

A week before the party, I had ordered an industrial print from Staples. They say it isn't intended for photos, but it was so perfect for this game and only cost me $3. (And it was an iPhone pic too.) I ordered it online and was able to pick it up the next day. 

So many people were able to come, which made it really meaningful and fun for Gray! It was hard balancing my time between being a host and watching Gray soak it all in, but whenever I looked over at my little man he had the biggest smiles on his face. So glad each and every one of you made it a point to come all the way out to Middletown to celebrate with us. It was truly a blast and we're so grateful for every one of you. :) And a huge THANK YOU to two of my dearest friends, Alissa and Bethany, for taking all these great pictures to remind us of this fun day.

PS:: B~ he loves his "addigator".

Gray's 2nd Birthday: the sentimental stuff.

And suddenly you're two.

Dear Sweet Boy, you have brought way more love, laughter, and joy to our family then I ever imagined possible. You are silly, spunky, cuddly, and downright funny!

I just adore that you still love to be held, love to climb on things and love to snuggle with your blankey. Just recently you've developed a new-found love for reading. Yay. :) It's so cute the way you run to the bookshelf to find your favorite ones and bring them to me, crawling right on top of my lap and laughing with anticipation.

You think that whatever Sky does is cool, and copy everything she says and does. Though you sometimes push her hugs away and squeal with disdain when she touches you, we all know you really love it deep down and think she's the coolest thing ever. You gives her hugs a lot, but it has to be on YOUR terms.

You have the bluest eyes I have ever seen, and the cutest 2 cowlicks right in front of your forehead that are sure to bug the heck out of you 10 years from now. You look like a mix between daddy, uncle Jason and uncle Bud. Though Sky was born with the highest pitch voice, you are opposite with a very low, raspy little-man voice. But when the two of you are laughing, I cannot tell your laughs apart. This melts me.

When you fall down, you immediately jump back up and say, "OHHH I'M OKAYYY!" and continue running. When you wake up from your nap, you're either one of two extremes: super happy, or extremely irritable. Nothing can calm you down like a hug from mommy and your blue blankey. You rub the tag on your blankey and all is right with the world again.

You've just recently discovered your singing voice. You'll sing your little heart out when you don't think anyone's listening. It cracks us all up, which only encourages you to sing this way more. You're all about a good time! You love it when I turn up the music and dance around holding you in my arms. You laugh uncontrollably when I spin you around the room and can't catch your breath from laughter when I slide you across our wood floor with a big blanket. You also have no fear of being dropped and sprawl out when I hold you, in hopes that I'll do something crazy to you like drop you onto the sofa. You love to be rough-and-tumbled. I think I'll finally have a roller coaster buddy when you're older. :)

When Dada comes home from work, you stop whatever you're doing to run to the door and greet him. You'll announce, "DADDY HOME! DADDY HOME!" --and give him a big hug. Sky climbs on his back, and you hang on his neck. You both adore your daddy.

I never want to forget all the little details of your toddler self! Here are some of your favorites:
food: clementines, raisins, bananas, and avocado with honey
veggie: broccoli
clothes: naked
color: pink
books: Goodnight Moon, Goodnight I Love You, Little Bunny's Bedtime, I Love You Through and Through and his Spot books
toy: your new alligator ("add-igator") and the Fisher Price cash register
shows: Fresh Beat Band and Blue's Clues
stuffed animal: blue bear
sports: football and soccer
game: build 'em up/ knock it down
songs: "Rock-a-Bye Your Bear" by The Wiggles

Mommy and Daddy pray with great faith every day that you'll grow up to be a strong man who loves and fears the Lord. I pray that when mommy and daddy aren't there to help you, you will call upon the name of the Lord and know that Jesus will be your stronghold when the ground beneath you gives way. I cherish every bit of you being young and don't want you to grow up ANYMORE! But on the other hand, watching you grow is so very exciting. You're such an incredible blessing to all who know you. I pray you'll always feel this way. Love you, Little Bud.

xo

Mommy

"Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You" -Dr. Seuss