Amaya turns TWO Years Old!

Happy Birthday Amaya! I seriously can't believe she's two years old today! A year ago today, she was just days away from taking steps on her own. Now she runs, hops, and jumps everywhere! A year ago today, the only words she could say were, "good-girl", "ma-ma", "da-da", "go", and "uh-oh." Now she speaks in 4-5 word sentences and comes up with words that surprise us like, "caboose" and "somersault". A year ago today, her hair was just long enough to not confuse her with a boy. Now, she loves wearing her hair in pigtails and ponytails! A year ago today, she liked to think that she was being helpful "folding the laundry." Now, she is actually quite helpful emptying the dishwasher, helping me cook, and putting away her toys!

Amaya has her two year check up on Grandpa Gustafson's birthday - the 25th and we always have to fill out a form describing her personality. I think this picture pretty much sums it up... very happy and very silly!


We celebrated her birthday this past Saturday and had a wonderful time opening presents, eating cake, and playing games. All her grandparents and her Uncle Mike and his family were able to come. She was VERY, VERY excited about her "birthday coming up!" She was especially excited about her DORA CAKE! I ended up finding a template and attempted to make one. I think it turned out okay... Dora is a little more orange than I wanted her, but Amaya LOVED it and that's really all that matters. (I may need to invest in some cake decorating tips because frosting the cake with just a knife was a little challenging.)

Amaya was thrilled to open presents...

She got quite a few pots, pans, cooking utensils, and play food from Grandma and Grandpa Gustafson for her new kitchen that we gave her.

She's quite the chef already!

And she got a few puzzles too from the Springer, Gustafson, and Wiggins families.

Great Grandma Struckmann made her this bunny who now takes residence in Amaya's crib and who has now been affectionately named, "Funny Bunny."

And she really enjoyed the stacking blocks train from Grandpa and Grandma Horning. Since receiving them, she's holed herself up in her room playing "choo-choo".

Our family picture...

Amaya getting ready to blow out the candles.


Everyone enjoying the cake and ice cream.

Happy 2nd Birthday to our sweet little girl! You are loved beyond measure!