Birthday Boy

Ledger's actual birthday is finally here.

We have a tradition of waking up to a hallway full of balloons in our house.

We woke Ledger up early so he could see Marq before he left for work.

He was a happy boy.

He insisted on sitting in his new car while opening all of his gifts.

Unfortunately none of the gifts we bought him online had arrived yet but luckily he had a package full of gifts from Grandma & Grandpa Ovard and Aunt Rikkie to open.

TWO Years Old

Favorite Activities: moving toys around the house. He puts them in his wagon, a grocery bag or his car, moves them to another location then takes them out and starts all over. He is getting very particular about how he likes things. He also loves our playdough time, books and bathtime.

Favorite Toys: Toy Story dinosaur, Radio Flyer wagon, Chevy Dog (Puppa), Elephant (Ebba), Bear and of course his new police car.

Favorite Movies: Cars 1, Toy Story 1,2,3, Cat in the Hat, Shrek and Elmo

Favorite Foods: Raisins, Yogurt, Edamame, Noodles, Green Smoothies and Dried Mango.

Favorite Words: "You okay?", His version of Cockadoodledoo is hilarious but I can't even begin to type it.

Least Favorite Things: Diaper Changes, Getting his nails cut and Getting Dressed.

Ledger is getting so big and opinionated. He is starting to like things a certain way and learning to express his wants and needs. He is also turning into a momma's boy. He is a sweet boy and cares about everyone around him. He is quick to notice when another child is upset and if I so much as blow my nose he is right there to ask "You okay?" He takes good care of his dogs and loves them both. We love him very much and our family wouldn't be complete without him. Happy Birthday Big Man!!! We love you.

"On the Night You Were Born"

“On the night you were born, the moon smiled with such wonder that the stars peeked in to see you and the night wind whispered, ‘Life will never be the same.’

Because there had never been anyone like you…ever in the world.

So enchanted with you were the wind and the rain that they whispered the sound of your wonderful name.Until everyone heard it and everyone knew of the one and only ever you.

It sailed through the farmland high on the breeze...Over the Ocean...And through the trees...Until everyone heard it and everyone knew of the one and only ever you.

Not once had there been such eyes, such a nose, and such silly, wiggly, wonderful toes.

When the polar bears heard, they danced until dawn. From Faraway places, the geese flew home. The moon stayed up until morning next day. And none of the ladybugs flew away.

So whenever you doubt just how special you are and you wonder who loves you, how much and how far, listen for the geese honking high in the sky. They’re singing a song to remember you by. Or notice the bears asleep at the zoo. It's because they've been dancing all night for you! Or drift off to sleep to the sound of the wind. Listen closely... it's whispering your name again.

If the moon stays up until morning one day, or a ladybug lands and decides to stay, or a little bird sits at your window awhile, it’s because they’re all hoping to see you smile.

For never before in story or rhyme, not even once upon a time, has the world ever known a you my friend, and it never will, not ever again…

Heaven blew every trumpet and played every horn on the wonderful, marvelous night you were born.”

By Nancy Tillman

Birthday Party

We threw Ledger's birthday party a few days early this year so that Marq's dad and sister, Emily could be here to help us celebrate.

We were SO happy to see them!

Ledger was surprised to see them and a little slow to warm up but he loved playing with Grandma & Grandpa!

We chose a car theme because Ledger loves the movie Cars, because he is Marq's son and because we got him a car for his birthday.

We had the party at a pizza place that we love. They have a huge play structure, slides, bounce houses, cars and a track, and a toddler play area.

The kids climbed all over the place and were all worn out by the time we left.

Ledger liked driving the cars on the track with his daddy.

We were so happy to have Ledger's cousins Cutler & Kapri there with us to play and our neighbors Ashlin & Parker.

His cousins gave him a Toy Story dinosaur which he loved and he was SO excited to get a Radio Flyer wagon from Grandma & Grandpa to pull him around in. Once he opened his gifts he wanted nothing to do with the slides.

He was a happy boy and had a lot of fun.

Ledger dove into his chocolate cupcake, not like last year but close.

It turned out to be a great day. We are thankful that Ledger has so many people that love him so much.

Creative Play

This morning Ledger and I stayed home and had some arts & crafts time.

He loved gluing googley eyes to paper and using the glue stick like chapstick. He is convinced chapstick goes on your chin despite my efforts to tell him otherwise.

Ledger decided he wanted to read a book to Chevy & Koda in his chair.

Then he decided he wanted to read a book to Chevy, Koda, his puppy, his elephant and his bear in his chair.

Then he decided he wanted to take a nap with them, in his chair.

I love watching his wheels turn and seeing what he comes up with.

Chores

Ledger has taken it upon himself to be in charge of the laundry at our house.

He is constantly checking the washer and dryer to make sure I haven't snuck his blanket in.

If the dryer is empty he will find his blanket and throw it in himself. He knows I'll let him get it out of the dryer but the washer is dangerous territory.

Such a busy body.

A Lunch Date with My Little Man

Yesterday Ledger and I went to see Aunt Kimmie and baby Quinncy.

She is beautiful and so tiny! We are excited to be close to a new baby cousin.

After meeting little Quinncy we jumped in the elevator and Ledger was so excited and cute. I was busy taking this photo when he hit the alarm button! Luckily we were in the parking garage elevator, not the hospital elevator. We quickly exited and went straight to our car, quickly.

On our way home I decided to stop at one of my favorite places for lunch. It is the cutest little country cafe and they have great food.

Ledger still isn't eating much since he's been sick but he was happy with his black cherry soda.

Ledger is such a ham, he had all the other patrons in the cafe laughing and talking to him.

It was nice to get out and have a lunch date with my little man who is growing up before my eyes.

Sunshine

Today the sun came out!

It was chilly but sunny so we got dressed and headed out.

The doggies were so happy to have someone to play with although they were a little disappointed that we didn't leave the yard.

Ledger thinks he is awesome with his hands in his pockets which seemed like a good idea until he tripped and fell flat on his face. He didn't even attempt to catch himself because his hands were in his pockets so he just flopped like a fish. Luckily it was on the grass so he wasn't hurt.

Is he looking bigger or is it just me?

Getting Better

Ledger's fever is all but gone! He still has a bad cough that wakes him up several times at night and sometimes he coughs so hard he throws up. He still isn't eat hardly anything, he acts like his throat hurts, his nose is still really runny, his poor little lips are chappped and cracking and he doesn't have his normal amount of energy.

He is finally up and moving and even playing a little bit. He even asked me to get the playdough out yesterday before his nap.

We even made it out of the house for the first time in a week and a half!

We met Kim & the kids for a little shopping and pizza.

Ledger was so excited to see them! He just kept waving.

He cried when we had to leave. He loves these guys!