More Birthday Stuff!

Early in the week, gifts began arriving via the good-ole USPS. I figured Susannah would enjoy opening them upon arrival. I tried to photograph her with each package, but sure enough, I missed a few. Here she is with Tip's gift. Susannah loved the book and the bow from the wrapped present; I think she looks like she is ready for the Royal Wedding, don't you?

Mia and Coach sent two pink roses and a sweet balloon which Susannah loved. The delivery man said, "I have a delivery for Susannah Dunbar" and she said, "Hi! Look at that balloon!" For some reason, my camera wasn't working right for this pic, but you can at least see them in the shadow!

Captain and Nana sent a box of books, puzzles and a new baby doll. We enjoyed opening them after her nap!

On her birthday Susannah had a special lunch date with Daddy (Mommy was at the dentist) and then a bakery trip with Mommy to choose a cupcake. Our community group came over for dinner that evening and the Hambys brought a HUGE cake with them. This girl definitely felt special on her big day!

Happy Birthday Sweet Susannah!

How have two years passed so quickly? Our precious baby girl turns 2 today at 11:42 pm. She is such a joy every single day, and I am constantly amazed at how quickly she learns new things, how seriously she contemplates the world around her, and how gently she cares for the people around her. She is always thrilled to see her friends and family and squeals with delight when she sees them round a corner or pull into our driveway. Although there are trying days with training and discipline, Susannah makes me smile everyday at the most unexpected times, and I feel so blessed to be her mommy. Lately I have been telling her, "You are my favorite girl!" The other day she said, "You are my favorite girl, Mommy!!" Such a sweet spirit in this little lady!

When we say our prayers at mealtime and bedtime, she regularly thanks God for animals, family and friends (by name), colors, our house, our church, our neighbors and various experiences she has had (like going to the zoo or the library). It warms my heart to see her attention to detail, even in the way she prays! She is saying "thank you" with regularity and it's obvious that she brightens the days of the majority of people she encounters. We know our grocery store workers by name and she greets them with a friendly familiarity. She can tell you who lives in the houses in our neighborhood and what their animals are. She can tell you what special gifts she has received or what special sayings she hears from various family members, i.e. "Ibby says 'ahh-boo!" Matt and I are thrilled to be the parents of this precious little girl and we can't imagine what God has in store for her future. We are so thankful for this precious gift! Happy Birthday Susannah Ruth!

Happy Easter!

He is Risen!!! What a gorgeous day to celebrate the resurrection of our Lord and Savior! This song is a great picture of the true meaning of Easter and one I sang all through the night to this precious girl almost 2 years ago! My prayer is that this song would live in her heart and that she would understand our Father's great love for her!

How deep the Father's love for us,
How vast beyond all measure
That He should give His only Son
To make a wretch His treasure

How great the pain of searing loss,
The Father turns His face away
As wounds which mar the chosen One,
Bring many sons to glory

Behold the Man upon a cross,
My sin upon His shoulders
Ashamed I hear my mocing voice,
Call out among the scoffers

It was my sin that held Him there
Until it was accomplished
His dying breath has brought me life
I know that it is finished

I will not boast in anything
No gifts, no power, no wisdom
But I will boast in Jesus Christ
His death and resurrection

Why should I gain from His reward?
I cannot give an answer
But this I know with all my heart
His wounds have paid my ransom

I pray that our family would understand and experience the great, deep love of Jesus everyday and that we would trust in the One who conquers death and gives us life. Happy Easter!

Egg-cellent Cupcakes!

Post-egghunting we all enjoyed some yummy cupcakes prepared by our favorite baker at the downtown grocery store, Miss Christine. She is always happy to see Susannah (and give her a cookie to enjoy while I shop). Miss Christine made special yellow and pink cupcakes with awesome egg rings as toppers. I think it's safe to say that Susannah was more than satisfied...

Our guests seemed to enjoy themselves, too!

And, here is a clear shot of this little boy that I am carrying. This is 5 weeks before his scheduled delivery date. Could I get any bigger? Honestly, I am afraid to ask!

After the snacking, there was more playing in Susannah's new house.

And, then on to gift opening!

I think this picture sums up Susannah's day pretty well! She really had a great time with her friends and family. Happy Birthday Sweet Susannah!

Look Who's Turning Two!!- Part 1

It was an egg-stravaganza around here on Saturday morning. Lots of Susannah's little friends showed up to hunt for Easter eggs and enjoy cupcakes. Susannah had a great time and thankfully the Easter bunny left enough eggs that everyone found plenty!

Birthday Girl!

Hunting Eggs with Daddy!

Berkeley was a champion egg-hunter! 

Elizabeth and Madeline left the cheeseballs for the squirrels! 

Joseph and parents looking for eggs.

Madeline on the hunt. 

Mommy and Susannah saying cheese. 

All the hunters and a very excited birthday girl!

Stay tuned for more on our big weekend! 

Merry Merry!

Just thought you should know that there have been a lot of conversations about Santa Clause lately. I am not sure if she knows about the Easter Bunny (we are shielding her from this since she is so terrified of large-costumed things), but she definitely knows something is up. She has been requesting her Santa bib and talking about how Santa must be working really hard in his office like Daddy and the Captain. It's an interesting strategy, Susannah!

 A few weeks ago, Susannah got an early birthday present in the form of a new playhouse. Unfortunately she was sick the weekend Daddy put this together. We told her that we had a surprise and when we walked out to see the playhouse, she started crying and said, "I want my m&ms." (Clearly, m&ms are the normal follow-up to "Do you want a surprise?) The next day, she was feeling much better and squealed with delight when she say the playhouse in the backyard. She is enjoying her time out there and really loves having other people over.

How big does she look in those jean shorts and crocs? My girl is growing up!!!

Happy Birthday Aunt Mana!

 With Lots of Love from Susannah!!!

We hope your day is wonderful and can't wait to see you soon!!!!!

SRD-adnoids+new ear tubes=

No big deal!

After 5 ear infections since her first set of tubes quit working, Drs. Washburn and Greene agreed that we needed another set of tubes and an adnoidectomy. We heard varying stories about recovery and were hopeful that the 5 days of congestion/not feeling good would be shorter for us.

Little did we know that Susannah would feel good enough to eat 3 bowls of pretzels and drink 32 oz of apple juice within hours of her surgery! This girl is tough! She also chatted up the people in line behind us at the post office and filled them in on her day. "This morning Dr. Greene checked my ears again and took out my adnoids. I'm wearing my pjs today." She turned down the popsicles and wanted her regular snacks and was ready for MMO on Tuesday morning. Matt and I are so thankful for our awesome doctors and our super-tough baby girl.

On the day of surgery we did a lot of tall tower-building and pretzel-eating!

Oh, and did you know Noah had a big 2-year-old in his ark? Well, here she is!

Baby Update

Right now Susannah is in her bed singing "Bippidy, Boppedy, Boo!" at the top of her lungs. Apparently she doesn't need a nap, but I am sticking to the old "rest time in the bed" philosophy. I definitely need it! Things are moving right along with this pregnancy. In fact, we have 8 more Saturdays before this little man will make his world debut. Slowly but surely we are gathering what we need to prepare a place for him, but I have no doubt we need all of the 8 weeks that are remaining!  In fact we are about to do a little mini-renovation on the house, Susannah is getting some new tubes in and her adnoids taken out next week, and we have a big Easter egg hunt-themed 2-year-old birthday to host. Like I said, there are many tasks to do between now and May 28!

And now, for a little concert!

Week in Review

Susannah L-O-V-E-S having her picture taken these days. In fact, she is now requesting a mini-photo shoot after getting dressed each morning.

Here she is before her good friend, Berkeley's birthday party.

Here she is before school on Tuesday.

Saying "Cheese" for Mia!

Wearing her owl shirt and looking like a big girl...

And, here are a few pics from the big birthday party for Berkeley. These two are such sweet friends!

They both love Elmo, Joseph (could he be any cuter?) and cupcakes with chocolate icing!

Happy Sunday to you!