Maria is 2

Today is my baby's 2nd birthday.  Maria Joy was born in to the world at 8am on Friday 7/17/09 weighing 9lbs 5oz and 22.5", making us a family of six!  She shares a birthday with her great grandmother, Mary Ann who turned 80 that day.

Happy Birthday, Ladies!

Maria marks many 'lasts' for us as parents, but also a few 'firsts'!  She is the first child we've had who has reached the age of 2 without having a younger sibling!  But, she is our last one in diapers, last one who takes naps, last one who needs her food cut up, the last one!

She is full of energy and loves to bother love on her brother and sisters!  We had her party yesterday - a sunshine party!  Lots of ideas were from Pinterest...a website that is maybe making me a better mom? :)

Homemade sunshine cupcakes.  The batter was made with frozen lemonade concentrate.  Yum!  And the candy corn is NOT leftover from Halloween.  I found it at Ben Franklin last week :)

Little treat bags were full of Lemon Heads candy.

Banner made with paint chip samples from Home Depot

Balloons attached to the ceiling.  Keeping the latex away from Ahren.

We celebrated with family.

My dad. Aka Paw Paw

Tim's mom. Aka Gra

While trying to get all three girls to stand still in their yellow dresses, I got this lovely shot.  And that's all they gave me. Pretty, huh?

She has become a BIG daddy's girl!

She loved her cake and got the idea of opening presents in no time.

This is Maria right after church this morning - on her actual bday.  What a stinker!

A birthday note for Maria:

Happy birthday, sweet girl!  You've grown so much in the past two years and your daddy and I are so excited to be your parents and see how you continue to grow.  May you know Joy, Peace and Love each and every day.  May you love your life and live your life with love.  You are a Joy and Blessing!

Mom and Dad