Anni turns 2!!

Every day I look at my little Anniston and feel like the luckiest mom in the whole world!

STATS
Weight: 26 lbs. 63%
Height: 37.5 in. 100%

THE FACTS

• Anni loves to sing. I have sung to her every night since she was born. Her favorite song is "Whenever I Hear the Sound of a Bird". She knows every word and sings along with me. After I leave her at nap time or bed time, I can hear her in her crib singing to herself. The other day she sat in time out singing, "I child God, he sent here, lead me guide me, help me find a way" in the sweetest little voice. It almost killed me to keep her in time out...but she had been pretty naughty.
• It's doesn't surface very often, but she does have a bit of a naughty side. It usually involves her sister and fighting over a toy or defending her territory. When she has to, she can stand her ground. Much to Reese's dismay, Anni can now tell on her and report every time, "Reese not be nice mommy". 
• She is such a snuggler. If she had her way, I'd just sit and snuggle with her for a better part of each day. I cherish every minute she lets me snuggle her. Often she will make me look into her face. If I look up or turn away, she will take her little hand and touch the side of my cheek to move my eyes back in her direction. This melts my heart.
• Anni is still so much shyer than Reese ever was. She does not like strangers, or people she's not very familiar with. She's very cautious and thoughtful about everything she does. I think she'll be a little like her dad in that respect. She's no were near as impulsive and passionate as her mom and sister.
• However, she is a little like her mom when it comes to her facial expressions. You can read her mind like a book. She can't hide anything she's thinking or feeling. You just have to look at her face. Around here we call her the queen of facial expression.
• In her own way, she's also very stubborn and independent. She has to do everything, and I do mean EVERYTHING, by herself. She will try and try and try and try, until she gets it done. From feeding herself, to dressing herself, putting on her own shoes, buckling her own car seat, etc... etc... 
• She recently shocked me by potty training in 3 days. It probably shouldn't shock me, it fits her personality. She's very determined. She's now gone 6 days without an accident, even at night and nap time. 
• Anni loves her sister. She follows Reese around all day mimicking everything she says and does. For the most part Reese is good to her and loves the undivided attention. 
• Anni is a nurturer at heart. She loves babies and all her stuffed animals. She rocks them, snuggles them, and reads books to them. She never misses and opportunity to point out a baby when were out shopping or at church, and you will rarely find her with out a baby doll in her arms.
• She is learning more and more every day. She can now count to 10, she knows all her shapes, a handful of letters, and we're working on colors right now. 
• Anni still sucks her thumb at bedtime, nap time or when ever she's tired or wants to snuggle. I know she'll probably need braces one day, but think she's so cute when sucking her thumb. I sucked my thumb so I'm probably a little bias.
• Her all time favorite cartoon is Caillou. She will watch other cartoons, but when it's up to her Caillou is always the choice. She can sing the entire opening song. 

Her 2nd birthday party had to have a special cake. Reese was my little helper with this cake. We were pretty happy with how it turned out!











Our neighbor Cody and her kids dropped off these fun balloons for Anni's birthday. She LOVED them. She didn't let them go all day.



We just had a family party, but we still had to make it special.







She was so excited to blow out her candles.







Reese was front and center to help unwrap the presents.







A few other shots of this little sweetheart from the last few months...

Snuggles

Anni loves babies

I love these natural curls!

little piggies

Her alter ego..."trouble"

She deserved this "flash in the face" for waking up 1 hour earlier than normal, on Christmas morning.

Pure cuteness!

We don't go many places without baby, dolly, and bear.

More sweetness!

Total cheeser! It was below zero outside, but that didn't stop her from devouring this ice cream cone!

We call this "the look"...when she's not happy with you.

Tiny dancer...

Catching some rays...while mommy gets ready!

Princess rock stars get thirsty sometimes.

Bottom line...I can't help but wonder, "how did I get so lucky?" I just want to bottle her up right now. The blue eyes, the curly hair, the sweet little voice, the way she buries her face into my chest and sucks her thumb and strokes my cheek...I never want it to change...I love her more than anything. She's growing too fast!