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Don't they look like little bites of Irish Creme? |
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A very happy sous chef. |
Liesel and I made green velvet mini cupcakes for Ireland's birthday. We used the Waldorf-Astoria red velvet cake recipe and just substituted green food dye for red. I couldn't help but cackle like a witch as we mixed the green batter. That food dye went a looong way as it turned our teeth, tongues and some other things Kermit the frog green. Most importantly, Ireland was happy with the results.
For her second birthday, Ireland finally gets to take gymnastics classes! Now it's her turn on the balance beams and trampolines. We got her a leotard to get her started and she was none too thrilled to model it for the camera. Brent will be taking her to a parent-tot class and I know they're both going to love it! Brent was the hero of the day and brought home a colorful bouquet of balloons.
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Love the chubby legs! |
Life has been a little tough for little Ireland lately. She's quit the binkie cold-turkey so sleep hasn't been as consistent. She also seems to sense a change in family dynamics is on the horizon. All day long she asks where Daddy is and he tells me when he's alone with the girls she constantly asks for me. We've started in on potty training and even though she's doing very well, it's still a big change for a little person.
Even with all the upheaval, Ireland is a delight to have around. She's intrepid as ever and her little shins are covered in bruises from her daring attempts. She always notices them while I'm changing her diaper and will kiss her own boo boos. After Ireland wakes up from a nap, she stages her own Occupy protest if I don't retrieve her from the crib right away. I usually walk in to find everything (toys, blankets, pillow, clothing, etc.) thrown on the floor and Ireland energetically jumping up and down on the mattress. She definitely knows what she wants and makes no bones about expressing herself. I think my favorite characteristic of hers is the relationship with her daddy. Even at two, Ireland looks so tiny in his strong arms. She never hesitates to give him a kiss and no one makes her face light up more than he does when he comes in the door at night. Seeing them together makes me love them both so much more.
I love how she'll be standing perfectly still and then run off as if she has some emergency to attend to. She still rocks a little bit on her heels and her little piggy toes flick up briefly as she regains her balance. She's losing her baby fat but thank heavens she still has her kissable cheeks and some meat on those legs. I love how she'll negotiate to get what she wants and is so ready to grow up. She's a sweet girl and I can't wait to see what the next year brings!