Two

Happy 2nd Birthday, Keirah!! What could be better than to have a parade on the day of your birthday?? We took both girls to the parade of course and Keirah caught on quickly how to go get the candy--while Aliyah (age 6) pretty much watched. Aliyah is always of the idea that she doesn't really need much candy. In fact, the guy sitting next to her was giving her tons. The girls had orange large marigolds in their hair--from the plants Aliyah planted. They were looking quite festive. Everyone was stopping and filling their bag.

We proceeded to go to the arts/crafts/food portion of the festival. This is Keirah's 3rd one already because she went when she was only 3 days old! Yes, I am nuts and I love this festival.

For dinner, we had pizza. Keirah ate 3 pieces (they are very small). She kind of gave us this shy look about all of the stuff revolving around her. Although she got gifts from us while in Chicago from American Girl, she got a few gifts today from grandma & grandpa. Her favorite thing seemed to be the teeny tiny Dora backpack. She has worn it since she received it and continues to wear it while doing everything. She has enjoyed hopping around today and pushing her baby stroller. She didn't eat any cake, however loved the balloon candles.

Oh, how I remember Keirah's birthday! I woke up and watched Regis & Kelly that day (apparently that always sends me into labor)...it happened with Aliyah as well. It was approximately 9:45 am and the contractions started to get closer and closer. Josh got up and I told him that he needed to get ready and we should straighten the house. We did just that and left everything in perfect order. Aliyah was picked up by g&g and off we went. It was a gorgeous sunny September day. There was a lot of road work and Josh thought he would go fast. I told him to just drive normally. I remember breathing through contractions on the drive. It took between 30-40 minutes to get to the hospital. I walked in (remember this was the day I was to be induced that they had cancelled)...well she was coming anyway. They gave me an epidural right away and the whole l&d process was so much different and more relaxed than with Aliyah. With Keirah, I didn't have that horrid back labor that I had with Aliyah. At 5:41 pm Keirah was born. The doctor said he knew she probably didn't even weigh 8 lbs. You see, the doctors had told me she might weigh 9-10 lbs when she was born. I had gestational diabetes. She weighed 7-11. I remember them telling me that I could order whatever I wanted to eat. Since the diabetic diet was ended, it was a free for all. I ordered chicken strips & frieds (the forbidden foods on the diet). What a wonderful day with a wonderful new baby girl! Aliyah was proud to present Keirah with her first pacifier.

Keirah, you are so funny, sweet, & cute. You always have so much love and hugs to give us! You love your sis so much and always want to be with us. You have filled our house with so much love and laughter and beauty. We still can't believe you have bright baby blues!!

Happy 2nd Birthday! As Aliyah always says, "Isn't she a beauty"!