Cowabunga, Emmett's 2!

10 days ago my baby turned two. <insert hysterical cry>

I know, I know two is still "little." Technically, he's still considered a "toddler," but everyday I realize my kiddos aren't really babies anymore. <insert hysterical cry x2> It's hard for me to wrap the idea around this brain of mine that those baby phases are ones of the past. We've said goodbye to milestones of rolling over, crawling, walking and first words. Our new highlights include using the potty (btw, Emmett isn't very interested in this milestone), first days of school and trying new activities. 

Although I've loved every single "stage" we've been through with both Harper and Emmett so far, I can't wait to see what the future holds for these two. They keep us busy and constantly on the go, but I truly couldn't imagine it any other way. Our lives and hearts are full because of them. 

Okay, okay I'll stop mushing and get on Emmett's birthday. (Below is Emmett and I on his last night as a 1-year old - both hysterical.)

Emmett's birthday fell on a Thursday this year, which also happened to be the opening day at the Minnesota State Fair. Is there a better way to celebrate turning two? The correct answer is, no. 

Mitch and I took Thursday and Friday off work to make it an extra long family filled weekend. We started E's day with a bus ride to the fairgrounds. Harper and Mitch took the accordion seats, which is always a highlight of the bus ride. It was a beautiful, sunshiny August day and we were ready to make it the best day ever!

Selfishly our first stop was at the Grain Belt booth so Mitch and I could appropriately "cheers" for Emmett's birthday and the long weekend. Next up, mini donuts. This is always Harper's #1 request and throughout the year if you even mention the State Fair she's for sure going to bring up mini donuts. Because it was his birthday (and it's the fair), E enjoyed some nice warm, sugary donuts for breakfast. As you can tell by the photos, he pretty much licked the cinnamon and sugar off each of them. Who's kid is that? ;) 

We did the usual fair things. Walked through the animal barns. Saw the ginormous pig and tried sneaking a baby piglet into the stroller to bring home with us (kidding, but seriously I need a pig!). Wandered up to Machinery Hill to check out the tractors. Ate cheese curds, because you have to and spent a lot of time at the Kidway (kiddy midway). Emmett was a little too small for most rides, but he could ride the carousel - which he absolutely loved. I took him the first time and as soon as the ride came to an end, he looked at me with his sad puppy dog eyes (which he has perfected) and held up one little finger and said, "1 mo. 1 mo!" Since it was his birthday and all, Mitch took him again. 

It's no secret that I love the State Fair. I look forward to it every year and would gladly attend all 12 days if my wallet and waistline allowed it. To spend the day as a family, celebrating E's birthday at one of my favorite places on Earth (is that sad?) - was a total joy. Until next year, fried pickles. 

Emmett loves Teenage Muntant Ninja Turtles. I'm not totally sure where this love stems from, since he doesn't even watch the show - but he's gravitated towards the green turtle dudes for quite some time. I'm sort of convinced he likes them so much since "turtle" was one of his first words. It only seemed fitting to throw a Turtle party for his 2nd birthday!

We invited E's favorite buddies and family over for a pizza party - turtle style. The rain held out, so we were able to use the bounce house, which the birthday boy loved. We had a blast celebrating with everyone and even managed to get a photo of 10 kiddos (we missed Cole!) without anyone crying! Success! Thanks to everyone who came to help us celebrate E! 

A letter to our two year old:

To our sweet E:

You're two! We can hardly believe it! It seems like we just brought you home from the hospital, but here you are running around the house like you own the place. You bring us so much joy, and chaos - but that's why we love you so much.

You play well by yourself and don't love sharing with others - we're working on that. You and Harper sometimes manage to play wonderfully together and it completely lights up our world. It's sweet and adorable and I just want to pause time to remember those moments. There are also times where your main mission is to torment your sister. I'm guessing you're just performing your little brother duties - I totally get it. We'll continue to remind you to be nice and gentle - but once you flash that little smirk of yours we forget about everything. I'm sure you'll continue to use that adorable smile to your advantage - I would if I were you.

Ninja Turtles are your absolute favorite. You recite all their names, except for Mikey. For some reason that name gives you some trouble.

When asked, your favorite color is yellow and you love saying "yellow."

You would sit on Dad's lap and play Mario Kart all night if we let you, and your little voice saying "Ario" is truly one of the best things my ears have heard.

Books are always a good go-to, right now it's Dinosaur Dig.  

You are a wonderful eater. I never worry about what I'm going to feed you - I know you'll sit and eat whatever is in front of you when it's time to.

We're so grateful that God chose us to be your parents. To watch you grow and learn is such a blessing and you are going to do great things little dude. Keep being the amazing boy you are. Happy birthday, we love you so very much.

Until next time…
The Helleen's