Anders is TWO - August 7th

"HAPPY ANDERS!" 

That is what Anders kept saying as he got to celebrate & open presents all month long.  We decided not to throw a birthday party with invites & big plans, since the baby's due date was so close and we didn't know how that timing would work out.  So we went to church (where I cried during worship, because I was tired & ready to have the baby...but didn't really want her to arrive that day and have them share their birthdays!)  Then that evening, Anders had a birthday cake and celebrated with Mommy, Daddy, Grammie, Papa, and Grandma.  He liked hearing us sing "Happy Birthday" and he blew out his candles the first try. 

In some moments it is hard to believe our baby boy is TWO already.  And then I watch him run around crazy -- talking, singing and playing, and I realize that he has become such big boy.  In these past two years our lives have been changed greatly & abundantly blessed by our sweet boy!

At his 2 year check-up:

Height - 36.5 inches

Weight - 30 lbs.

    

My friend Beth made us this Birthday sign (www.perfectlypaisleyshop.com).  Anders loves it & so do I -- I've left it hanging all month & don't want to take it down. 

Taking a BIG bite (hard to see, but he has the whole piece of cake on the end of his fork)...

Happy Birthday Anders, we love you!

Catching Up - Part 3

My Mom & Dad have helped me SO MUCH this past couple months while we prepared for Larsen & then after she arrived.  My Mom stayed with us for almost 7 weeks and my Dad was in & out during that time.  

Anders playing with Papa and having fun...

 One morning we went to the downtown library for story-time and took some pictures in the courtyard area...

 Tossing coins in the fountain...making wishes that baby sister would arrive!

Another morning (trying to pass time while waiting for baby sister to arrive) we went to the Fontanel for breakfast (previously Barbara Mandrell's property & home).  Anders got to sit on the tractor & we took more pictures after eating a southern breakfast.  (PS - I think Loveless Cafe is much better, but it was worth going and seeing what the Fontanel was like).

Catch up -- Part 2

While we were waiting for baby sister to arrive, the infant car seat was sitting by the front door and ready -- we found Anders in it one day...

 Took these pictures at church one morning -- photo shoot was NOT successful, it was nap time.  But we got a couple good ones...

 Blowing more bubbles with Daddy...

 Helping Grammie & Papa fix dinner and getting a pre-dinner strawberry...

Cheekwood Gardens has a train exhibit right now & we've been lucky enough to go with our friends Elisa & Tripp twice.  This morning was HOT, but the boys had fun together...

Running & sweating hard...

 Daddy & Anders

 Posing with his "A for Anders"

 End of a HOT morning and taking a break...ready for nap time!

Quick catch up from the past month - Part 1

Okay, so I am going to plow thru the past month of pictures, so I can catch up quickly...

Mom & Anders went to the pool almost every day -- 1) to give me the chance to either work or nap and 2) to get out of the house & have fun.  Anders got more and more confident in the water and Mom got an amazing tan (not because of wanting one or trying).  He also met a little girl down the street and they became friends right away...she also likes cars, trucks and bugs so it was a perfect match!  Her name is Emma and you'll see pictures of her at his Birthday party.  We got Anders a swim vest just like Emma's...

 Blowing bubbles with Daddy is SO much fun!

All smiles with Grammie...

 Helping Daddy fix pancakes for breakfast (first time cooking in the kitchen)...

 Snuggling with Mommy (huge & ready to have the baby, but still a week & half out before Larsen arrived)...

 Anders is being "strong" and hanging like a monkey...

Anders was too sleepy to make it thru lunch and fell asleep at the table with Daddy...

 Wearing Daddy's shoes...

Random pictures of Anders...

Hiding away in the dining room bench...

 Upset that he has chocolate on him from his special treat - a banana chocolate chip muffin...

 Trying on his floaty-swimsuit...he wasn't a fan but we gave it a try (sorry Grandma!)...

My sweet boy...

His first "extreme sport"...bicycle standing!