Viv's Birthday: The Butterfly Conservatory

I can't believe it's taken me so long to finish Viv's birthday posts! 

Ugh!

I haven't even planned her birthday party yet. 

Double ugh. 

The same day that we were at The Strong Museum for her birthday we decided that she was probably old enough to enjoy the butterfly conservatory (inside of the museum).

We've been wanting to take her during our other trips but knew she wouldn't care much and we didn't want to spend the $8 to go through if we would have to just leave right away because Viv was too antsy.

I am so glad we went this time!

Viv was in awe and had magic in her eyes the entire time. 

We were the only ones there which was really, really nice.

The butterflies flew around Viv and kept landing on her arms and in her hair. 

She giggled the whole time!

I wore Penny in my sling and she kept reaching out to try and touch the butterflies as they flew by.

We loved watching the girls in such wonder.

Viv's Birthday: The Strong Museum of Play

For Vivienne's birthday (the day after, actually) we decided to get out of the house for the first time in months!

With the girls being so sick and it being such a terrible winter, we haven't gone anywhere as a family besides to visit family or to run errands. 

The girls were starting to feel normal this week so we took them to the Strong Museum in the city. 

I know I've posted pictures of trips there multiple times already, but when it's cold and snowy, there's not too much else to do around here! 

Viv was so excited to go to her favorite place for her birthday and to get her energy out! 

Every time we would tell her it was her birthday she would jump up and down and scream "yay!!"

She was such a thrilled little birthday lady. 

We loved watching her light up with joy and excitement. 

Even though we've been to this museum multiple times with her, she's older each time and it's really cool to see how she's growing and developing every time we go.

Now, let's talk about Penny for one second. 

I can't even begin to tell you how incredible this girl is. 

Both of our girls never cease to amaze us and make us fall even more in love with them. 

This was the first real interactive place she's been since she's been old enough to care about what's going on around her. 

She had SO much fun watching, listening, and playing!

I cannot even begin to tell you how excited I am for springtime!

Now that Penny and Viv get alone so great and Penny can keep up with her sister, things are just going to be so much fun! 

I cannot wait. 

This season of life for us, and for the girls is the most beautiful time of our lives. 

Tomorrow I'll be back sharing our trip to the Butterfly Conservatory at the museum! 

XO. 

Another 2nd Birthday Post

Viv's birthday was pretty laid back.
We're throwing her a big party at the end of the month, since everyone seems to be suffering from different bugs and sicknesses.
So for her actual birthday we just stayed home and celebrated!
I got up before she did and did a little decorating and blew up some balloons.
Then I made her pink, heart shaped vegan pancakes with sprinkles and coconut whipped cream!

I sang Happy Birthday to her about 20 times throughout the day.
It excited her so much and I loved it!
I love that she knew that it was a special day for her!

In the afternoon one of her friends came over to play.
They played with Margaret, dressed up like fairies and danced around, and drew pretty pictures together.
I made them veggie pizzas for dinner and Josh brought home Viv's favorite ice cream sandwiches!
It was a simple day, but it was so, so special.

She's 2!

I know it's what everyone always says, but I cannot even wrap my head around the fact that Viv turned two yesterday! 

Where does the time go?!

Time is such a weird thing.

It goes so slow.

It goes all too fast. 

Though now, in this time of my life, it only passes too quickly. 

It's a funny thing how children make life go by so much faster.

The days are so full and they pass with only a blink. 

It feels like only yesterday I was rocking this girl to sleep as a tiny babe. 

Now she's speaking and having opinions of her own. 

I am so proud of this beautiful soul. 

She's a special one, that's for sure.

She is feisty and opinionated.

She is kind and generous. 

She is loving and nurturing. 

 She is adventurous and fearless. 

She is devoted and loyal.

This girl,

the one who made me Mama,

she never ceases to teach me new things every single day.

She is my light and an incredible happiness in my life.

Happy Birthday Week, my Vivy. 

XO.

Oh! 

And...for those of you who don't follow me on Instagram and have been overwhelmed with photos, we got Viv a kitten for her birthday! 

She is the sweetest little doll I've ever met.

Her name is Margaret Prue and she is our Sweet Love. 

Another Birthday...

We celebrated my birthday at the beginning of the week.

We celebrated over two days because Josh had to work on my actual birthday.

Monday we spent the day at our local hands-on kid's museum and went out to dinner.

Tuesday evening when Josh got home he took us to the beach to watch the sunset and got me some wine and a cake.

It was definitely my best birthday to date.

I mean, why wouldn't it be when I spend it with my Love and my cute kid?!

Now school starts Monday for Josh so it'll be back to our regular routines.

I'm so ready for Fall and all of the snuggly, yummy, warm things that come with it!

Anyway, here's a photo dump from my special day.

I guess we chose to go to the Strong Museum mostly for us rather than to take Viv.

It's definitely more for kids who can at least walk, but she loved it so much!

Her favorite part was watching and laughing at all the kids.

She loves other children and loves just watching what they're all about.

Of course, Josh and I had a blast too playing all the games and showing Viv all kinds of new things.

I can't wait to go back when she's bigger and can run around and play!

We put her on the floor a couple times and she was in heaven.

The only thing was is that whenever we would pick her up and carry her or put her in her stroller she would start to tear up and cry. 

Thank God she not a screamer though - phew!

Viv is getting so big that I can hardly handle it.

She's standing on her own for up to 5 seconds, walking along all the furniture, and on my birthday she had her first swing ride!

Her squeals and laughter sounded like they were from a toddler - she has no "baby" sounds left at all.

As we were walking along the beach my heart longed for another baby - a playmate for Viv.  

A baby for each of us to carry on our walks.

Anyway, I think I'll save more on that for another post.

I cannot wait to see what our birthdays will look like next year.

What our little family will look like, living in a new state, maybe another baby? Who knows!

I am so thankful for my life and the Blessings that I have.

I have more than I ever could hope for and have more love surrounding me than I ever dreamed.