Lenora is Two!

Who's the birthday girl!?!

Dear Lenora, 

You turned two this month! Watching you on your birthday made my heart so happy. To start your morning, Hazel made you a birthday crown, and I made you a necklace from Fruity Cheerios. You would have thought we presented you with the crown jewels because you were so excited about them! After we picked up Hazel from school, we took you to the bookstore to pick out your gift from Grandma and Grandpa. You LOVED picking out your gift! For dinner Daddy suggested we make one for your favorite foods -bratwurst (or "bra-barks" as you call them). Then we ended the day with Elmo cake and presents. It couldn't have been a more simple day, but you loved every minute of it. 

Lenora, you're a very remarkable 2-year old. You talk in sentences and understand concepts that floor us at times. You recently moved to sleeping in your big-girl bed without any trouble. When you had your flu shot, you didn't even cry or whine. You just sat there and watched then admired your band-aid. And you've been potty trained for over 2 months now! We were at the store buying Eliza new underwear when you insisted we get you yellow panties. I reluctantly bought them for you and let you give it a try one day. Within a week, you had using the bathroom mostly down (during waking hours at least). You're such an amazing girl! 

As remarkable as you are, you're definitely still two! "Myself" and "I do it!!!" are the most commonly heard phrases in our home. You want so badly to be independent. You also really dislike being told no and have the saddest rejection face. You are full of mischief and silliness, but we love you all the more for it. 

One of your favorite things in the world is Nursery at church. After every song and talk in Sacrament meeting last week you loudly asked me "Time go nursery!?!?" I think you like having somewhere to go that is all your own since Hazel and Eliza have school. You also have the world's most awesome nursery leaders so it's no surprise you love it there.  

When your hair is freshly washed it reminds me of hockey player hair. 

You love to play with baby Anna. Kelli bought her for you when Orson was born and you adore her. She sleeps with you every night, and you like to carry her around the house. You go on and on about Baby Anna this and Baby Anna that. You also like Hazel's old Cinderella doll which you use to copy the big girls as they play with their dolls from Christmas. You also love trains, Elmo, playing outside, coloring, and running around in your tutu. When you have it on you repeatedly command me "Watch Mama!" Then you run around the house with every third or so step on tip-toes and your arms flung back behind you. 

When you enter a room and find Orson, you frequently say "Hi Bubba!" You also always call him "Orson Bud" and tell him cute things like "Orson Bud - no cry!" You two are becoming fast friends. 

Overall, we just love you to pieces Lenora! Thank you for the joy and light you bring to our home! Love - Mommy