Happy 2nd Birthday Quinlin

Two years ago my beautiful baby girl was born. I have been given such a gift and have the knowledge now behind why everyone says there's nothing like having a daughter.

We aren't doing anything special today except for a few presents, dinner and singing. She's off at school today and enjoying being the queen diva. Her teacher sent me these cute little pictures:

I still can't believe she is two... I remember so distinctly her birth, but I guess the actual time in between now and then is starting to blur. Thank goodness for pictures to help trigger memories- and this little blog, of course. I have often contemplated when I should stop writing, but I think it's been the best to be able to journal these little milestones for my own reference. For example, it was fun to look at Quinlin's first birthday/ birth recap hereOne day maybe the kids will enjoy it. I wish I would have done this when Hunter was small. Oh well- live and learn. Back to the birthday girl!

•When she was sick over the holidays she weighed in at 30 pounds, 1 oz. Not bad- a gain of 1 1/2 pounds in 6 months- so maybe we are growing into our chub a little bit. I'm curios when she has her well visit in a few weeks what her stats are. She is in size 2T (tops) and 3T (bottoms- we have a slight muffin top though can wear some of her 2T pants) and size 6 shoes

•Her hair is blond- but just starting to get a tad darker. Both Sean and I had blond hair as babies so we will see how blond she stays and for how long. It is getting so long and the back is still very curly. It's funny to compare her picture from her birthday a year ago and see all the new hair growth.

Last year- 1st birthday

So thrilled to have to take pictures

•She loves to tackle and play with Owen. I think she'll be our athlete of the family. Swim lessons came naturally for her this year and she isn't afraid to try new things. She will chase and run with the best of them. We always say that Owen needs to watch his back. Quinlin is one tough little cookie.

•She may be tough, but she's such a little mommy. She absolutely loves her dolls, taking them for strolls or putting them to bed. She definitely has the maternal instinct. It makes me sad (not really but a little) that I will never give her a baby brother or sister. I know she would have been a huge help because she would have wanted to care for them so much. She always mommies Owen though. If he gets hurt or is in time out, she's very concerned and quick to tend to him. She loves her brothers so much (and daddy). She's a lovergirl for sure!

•We've been working on the potty. Since about 18 months, she slowly started. Now- she is full blown ready. She poops like a champ on the potty, sometimes pees and has no problems keeping her underwear dry. The biggest challenge for us is that the daycare won't work with her until she moves to the next classroom. So- even if I fully trained her now, they wouldn't have the staff in her classroom to take her to the bathroom. Very frustrating for me as she is more than ready. But- she'll make the move this summer so we will train her then.

•Favorite foods- pasta, pizza, chicken, anything dipped in ranch, fish, donut holes, eggs. Surprisingly she doesn't care for pb&j yet loves salad. She also loves steak- that's my girl!

•She has been talking and singing up a storm. I'd like to get her on video (maybe today or this weekend) as her voice is hilarious.


The Quiz

I asked Quinlin a series of questions and will be asking this every year on her birthday. Next year will be easier and better I think to capture exact responses. I really enjoyed doing this when I asked Owen when he turned 3 in August. Here are her responses:

1. What's your name? Quinny ______
2. How old are you? 2
3. Where do you live? Owen's house
4. what is your favorite color? white (though white is the first color she mentions for everything). when I asked her other colors, she said pink.
5. what do you want to be when you grow up? um (no answer)
6. who is your favorite person? Owen
7. who's your best friend? Daddy (though at school her favorites are Claudia, Giada and Jacob)
8. what is your favorite tv show? Dora
9. what is your favorite food? um (no answer)
10. what is your favorite drink? Milk
11. what do you like to do for fun? um (no answer)
12. what do you like to play outside? snowman
13. what is your favorite song? Wheels on the Bus or Sexy (Sexy and I know it- LMFAO)
14. what is your favorite movie? Tangled
15. what is your favorite book? Fishies (it's a counting fish book- will need to look for the exact title)

Happy birthday, Quinlin. You've completed our family and we love you so much. We can't wait to celebrate with you today and this weekend. More pictures and recaps to follow.