Happy Birthday my sweet little Girl!

I can not believe that our little girl is turning 2 today. I remember, vividly, last year and the pain I felt knowing she was turning 1 and I did not know what her laugh sounded like. What her feet looked like. What her cry sounded like. I didn't know if her voice was "high" or "low." All I had were 4 photos I could stare at in wonder. August 1, 2007 was a rough day for me. I looked forward to celebrating August 1, 2008 with Katie. I had dreams, BIG dreams of a huge pink princessy kind of party, and possibly a few ballet and tea parties as well. Dreams. Then, I started thinking of that party...a year in the making. I thought, "Oh wow let's have a pool party at Grandma's house...hmmm...how to tie in pink princessy kind of things with the pool."

Instead, we went camping. We had a "Nemo" themed bash. Katie loves the outdoors, and thrives being outside. She loves fish and "Mah-moe" a whole lot. Sure she likes pink, and princess, but fish and outdoors wins hands down. The pool? Well, she doesn't like it so much. Not one bit. I learned something since bringing Katie home. Something about myself. I have dreams about things I would like to do with her, but I know I will always let HER have a choice and go with what she wants. It's her life to live, not mine to live through her. KWIM?

So, today, is a quiet family celebration where she will get her gifts from us. She will get to "rule" the day. It will probably include a family viewing of Finding Nemo to close out the day. Our little girl is exactly who she is, and we are PROUD of her and love her so much because of who she is. I can not wait to see how the rest of her person develops - all that personality must mean she is going to go GRAND places. :)

Here are her photos from her party last weekend at the campground. It was a nice quiet affair (and she was a little overwhelmed by it) with close friends and family. More photos coming from the trip (not that I took that many...hot, tent camping, too short of a weekend).