Baby Anders Turns Two

Anders turned the big ol' 2 last weekend and thus marks the official attempt to stop calling him by his unofficial name, "Baby Anders." It's a hard habit to break and until we find a new, catchy replacement nickname. Our attempt at "Little Anders" isn't quite sticking and it just doesn't have a certain je ne sais quoi we are looking for. Suggestions welcome.

Anders has come out of his shy little velcro-baby shell over the last several months and it's been such a joy to watch him grow. And this kid can talk, talk, talk and then talk some more. You would think that could be annoying but he has such a sweet voice and it's been super helpful that he communicates so well. I wasn't feeling well earlier in the week and he came up to me on the couch and said softly "Mommy okay?" and leaned in to give me a soft sweet kiss on the head. I mean come on, people, if that doesn't make you want to just tuck him in your pocket forever, well then I don't know tugs on your lead heart strings.

We do want to make a video montage but that will be a while so I thought I'd toss a few photos out there in the meantime from his little party. We were once again blessed with a beautiful sunny and 75 degree day - the sweet spot of the pacific northwest summer.

Happy birthday, Baby Anders! We love you!

It had to be a Cars theme party for our little man who would watch the movie every morning and every afternoon if mommy let him.

Landon enjoying time with neighborhood friends.

Anders in his birthday shirt before he attacked the water table with gusto and required a new outfit.

Chatting about something.

Cupcake crew! With a side of plastic broccoli.

Happy Birthday!

I give my kids credit: they are actually only a couple of a select toddler crowd that will actually eat the cake part instead of just licking the icing. [*Sniff* You boys make this carb-lovin' momma so proud. *Sniff*]

Shenanigans.

Erik's recent present to the boys. Mom's new lawn mowing challenge.

Presents!

Anders is too distracted by a new garbage truck toy; Chase and Landon take the lead on the rest of the gifts.

The party was so much fun that we had another party after nap time and broke out the pool!

Friends having fun while they celebrate with us.

Time will tell if we actually pull a video together! Anders, let this be my declaration of good intentions!