Reid's 2nd Birthday (x2)

Because Christian wasn't around for Reid's actual birthday, we took the weekend to celebrate family style.  And what a beautiful weekend we had!  It was gorgeous out, and we spent as much time as possible outside.  First up, post run for me, was a walk around the block with my boys.  Reid has really taken to the 3-wheeled scooter, and I was pretty impressed he was able to make it around the block by himself!

Christian had been out running during our walk, and we made it back just in time to run over to Daddy and greet him back home.

It was then birthday time for Reid.  I got him a balance bike this year, after much debate and deliberation.  The jury is still out on whether he likes it or not, but I'm hoping when we no longer have a training wheel bike around (Micah's current bike) then there's no temptation for Reid to not use the bike.  Problem is, I'm not sure when that will be, as we didn't have Micah learn on the balance bike.  Sigh.  All in due time, right? :)

Micah (with a little guidance from me :)) picked up a train table to give to Reid.  I have to say that Reid is way more in to trains than Micah ever was, and I'm hoping by having the space in the basement to actually have a table, he'll enjoy the trains even more!

This boy was sure spoiled by birthday cupcakes during the weekend!  Reid is not the best eater (never has been, even as a newborn) but he sure does love his sweet treats!  And what's not to love, really?  Sugar, butter, yumminess?? Sounds about right to me!

He was a bit scared of the flame...

But quickly forgot about it once he was able to dig in to the cupcake!

Happy Birthday Reid!  Mommy, Daddy and Micah love you sooooo much!  Here's to many, many, more years sweet boy!!

Happy 2nd Birthday Reid!!

Dear Reid,

How are you already two??  I can't believe you are so big and I have loved watching you grow over the past 2 years.  Year 2 has brought so much joy and excitement as we've seen your personality start to develop.  You have such a great sense of humor, and you are such a silly little boy.  You seem to know what will make us laugh and know just the right time to do it.  My favorite right now is at meal times when you'll make silly faces at us until we copy you back.  You're in to the game of copy cat and it cracks you up every time!

I have enjoyed watching your vocabulary grow over the last couple of months.  And you try so hard to communicate with us that I still struggle to understand :)  But it's getting easier sweet boy.  Keep trying!  One day you'll be talking up a storm that I fully understand.  Some of my favorites that you have right now are:

"be-bap" (school bus)
"bieber" (birdie)
"ca-ca" (Micah)
"ree-rees" (Reidees)
"kikky" (kitty)

You're learning songs that we sing to you at bedtime, and I'm watching you be able to sing along with us to Jesus Loves Me, This is the Day, and I love you Reidees.  You don't quite know your colors yet - most are blue to you - but you do know all your letters!  I love watching you learn and be able to use it to help you communicate.  You also love animals and can talk about most of the animals you see as well as what the sounds that they make.

You also love the outdoors!  We moved recently and have our own backyard now, and you'll wake up from your nap and immediately say "Outside.  Big Truck."  You just love being able to play outside and have become a pro at moving the Big Wheel and Scooter around.  It'll be interesting to see how you do with your Balance Bike you got for your birthday...I'm hoping you love it!

Thank you for always providing humor for us Reidees.  Thank you for your fun loving personality (that Daddy and I discussed last week as resembling Frodos, haha.  Very cuddly but all on your own terms :)).  We've seen you blossom and look forward to many many more years with you baby boy!  You're going to be such a good big brother to your baby sister coming soon and I'm so excited that we're on this journey with you as part of our family.

Stay sweet baby boy!  Happy 2nd Birthday!

Love,
Mommy

2 year doctor stats (done on May 1, 2014):  Height = 2'10.6" (64%), Weight = 29 lb, 6.4 oz (67%), HC = 19.2" (53%)

As a comparison, Micah was almost identical to Reid...which really puts in to perspective how BIG Reid is going to feel once baby sister arrives!!  He still seems so little, but when Micah turned 2 he seemed huge to me.  Ok, Micah's stats:  Height = 2'10" (44%?? seems off), Weight = 29 lb (65%), HC = 19.76" (87%)

32 Weeks!

I don't have my comparison shots this time around, but here's me at 32 weeks.  It's getting closer!!  7 weeks from today, or sooner...yay!!

Small Group Egg Hunt

Every year we do a small group Easter gathering where we eat yummy food and go on an Easter egg hunt.  The past couple of hears it's been a brunch, and this year we made it a dinner instead at a new location.  The kids had a blast and the weather was beautiful - so there really wasn't much more that could be asked for!

Hanging out on the slide/playground set.

Getting ready for the big hunt - Reid was allowed to start a couple of minutes before the others kiddos to ensure he got a couple of eggs...

Love Micah's face here - he's really into finding those eggs!

Best family shot we got - keep in mind I'm 32 weeks pregnant, lol.

While Reid spent his time on the slide, Micah thoroughly enjoyed jumping on the trampoline.  

Settling in...

Here are just a few shots over the past couple weeks while we're settling in to our new surroundings:

Chillin' on our deck in their new patio seats :)

Hanging out at one of the parks in our neighborhood within walking distance.

Exploring the Red Oak Nature center just 5 minutes from our house.  Lots of fun trails by us and we're going to really love it, I think!