Sweet Friends

Susannah has enjoyed some playdates with her friend Griffin lately. He is such a sweet boy and loves to share with her. It looks like some of that is paying off. Here she is feeding him some goldfish!

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!