stella is two!

Little Miss Stella turned two this past Saturday, June 8th, and we had a small butterfly-themed party in her honor. She had been anticipating turning two and the party for the last few months leading up to the big day. She talked about balloons, a purple cake, and singing the happy birthday song. Since she has so many interests (Elmo, Curious George, Hello Kitty, etc.), I had to really narrow it down to one single theme, and I decided on butterflies. Fortunately Target had a lot of butterfly party supplies, and I was able to find a butterfly cake mold pan online from Target as well.

Her day began with a pancakes and bacon breakfast while FaceTiming with Jared and Corinne in Qatar. When they sang to her, she exuberantly joined right in. We have plans to Skype with Grandpa and Grandma Johnson in Ohio tonight.

those lights are the reflections from can lights in the ceiling - not two randomly-placed tea lights :)

Stella hamming it up with Aunt Susie (isn't Susie's new hairstyle so chic and pretty?)

Shootin' the breeze with Uncle Jesse on my parents' almost-finished backyard patio

Her beloved balloons (unfortunately the dollar store had run out of the butterfly ones)

She enjoyed singing along with us when we sang Happy Birthday to her. :)

Cutting velcro bread, fruit, and vegetables Melissa & Doug toys from Jared and Corinne; they also gave her a little flower purse that came with play lipstick, debit card, and a mirror

She fed her new baby doll some vegetables

Trying on new Hello Kitty Keds

Opening a picnic basket toy from Brett and me

Checking out her gift from Susie and Jesse; we're hoping it warms up soon so she can play with it

Watering Grandma's flowers with her new flower watering can

Relishing every bite

Running all over with her balloons

Our little butterfly :)

Loving her dolly jogging stroller from Grandpa and Grandma

She loves jumping off these rocks

In this picture, I think she was checking to see where Susie had gone

Cards she has received so far: from Susie and Jesse (stickers, too!); Grandpa and Grandma L.; from Brett and me

We had so much fun watching her play with her new toys - such a difference from her first birthday when she was so young. Yesterday and today she has been playing with her new doll and stroller and vegetables/cutting board toys nonstop. She fusses over her little doll baby, and I overhear her saying such cute little things to reassure and comfort her baby. 

We had to wake her up early Sunday morning because I was scheduled to work in her nursery room at church at 9 a.m., and I have to get that before the parents arrive. On the way to church, she held her doll and we heard her singing a medley of "God is so Good", "Holy, Holy, Holy" and "Silent Night". She would pat her doll's back while singing, and every once in awhile say to her, "I turn you around." She would then turn the doll facing out or back into her chest to cuddle. It was precious.

We are really enjoying our two-year-old. She says hilarious and cute things all the time, and we can't believe how much she has changed throughout the last two years. We thank God for this precious gift of a daughter. We love you, Stella Joy!

one day old