Charlotte's 2nd Birthday at Bay & Bee

When the time rolled around to plan Charlotte's 2nd birthday there was one thing that came to mind... It would be the middle of summer and INCREDIBLY HOT! Last year, we celebrated Charlotte's 1st Birthday at my mom's house in Orlando since we were in transition from Hawaii to Jax. This year, I knew she would have more friends to invite, so I wanted to have the party somewhere that kids could have fun indoors (and not have toddlers destroy my house, lol) The easy choice was Bay & Bee! Bay & Bee is a locally-owned small business, inspired by Montessori and Waldorf educational principles to create a stimulating eco-friendly play environment. On top of that, it is air-conditioned and their amazing staff makes sure every detail is accounted for!

Once we knew the date and location, it was time to start working on a theme! Charlotte is fairly obsessed with Frozen right now, so I debated a Frozen party, but then was made aware by other moms that there would be plenty of time for a Frozen-themed party in future years! So, we decided on Flamingo theme and it turned out so cute!

I couldn't have done it without my sweet friend, Stephanie with Boogie & Bear. Just when we started planning the party, her sweet and beautiful daughter, Addison, was diagnosed with Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia. When I heard the news, I told Stephanie that there is no way I could expect anything from her during this incredibly challenging time for her family. Stephanie totally went above and beyond with the invitation and decorations and her husband even delivered items to my doorstep! I seriously could not have asked for anything more and I would highly recommend her to anyone planning a shower, birthday party or if you are just looking for some monogrammed goods. Stephanie is so sweet and creative. Please lift her family up in prayer and that Addison may be cured of cancer and get back to being a little girl instead of dealing with this horrible illness.

Charlotte's adorable invite by Boogie & Bear 

Birthday Stats Poster by by Dandelion Design on Etsy

Cookie Favors by Jenn Rorstrom 

Flamingos from Pottery Barn Kids

Fabric banner by Boogie & Bear 

Cake by the always-amazing Publix and topper by Boogie & Bear! 

Monogram and "2" Cupcake Toppers by Boogie & Bear

We had Chick-fil-A cater and it was so easy! 

Of course, I had to match Char and found a Flamingo Romper for me online at Target!

Char's adorable Flamingo Romper by Bitty Bundles of Joy on Etsy

Happy Birthday to our big 2 year old!

Charlotte: 2 Years

I cannot believe our little girl is turning "2" today! I remember the day that she was born like it was yesterday, even though it was actually 731 days ago (yes, I counted the leap day Kyle)! I can't believe she has been a part of our lives for THAT long! She truly is a blessing and 99.9% of the time the sweetest girl ever! If I had to sum Charlotte up in a couple of words I would describe her as determined, loving, fiesty and compassionate (maybe a little sassy too). Just today at the doctor's office, she said, "How are you?" to the nurse. How sweet is that? She also says, "Good Morning" to the cars and trucks on the road and wants to hug them! She is such a sweet and loving girl! Here are some photos I snapped of her this morning to commemorate her turning 2! Another post on her Flamingo birthday party soon! 

She loved getting her "check up" and was such a good patient!

Birthday Lunch at Chicken Salad Chick!

Weight: 30lbs 6.4oz (90%) (she stood on the scale today! No more baby scale)
Height: 34 3/4 inches (80%)
Diaper Size:  Size 6!!!!
Clothing Size: Big girl in a 3T

Eye Color: The prettiest blue eyes ever!
Favorite Toy:  A baby doll, blanket and stroller are never far away from this little monkey. She is such a good momma to her dolls and loves to swaddle them and give them pacis. 
Hair: We hit a milestone! Just last week, I was finally able to do a top knot in her hair!! It was a very proud mom moment! Her hair is so curly and has the prettiest little highlights. She is slowly getting blonder and blonder. 
Teeth:  She has 15 pearly whites!!
Sleeping Habits: With summer time and us frequenting the playground most nights, her bedtime has been pushed back. I aim for a 7pm bedtime but sometimes it gets closer to 8pm. She wakes up around 7am and usually just starts talking or singing! Once awake she is ready to get the day started! She is very excited to go in the car, now that she is in her "big girl car seat". She still takes a great nap from about 1pp-3/4pm
Milestones: She is now forward facing in the car! We had a little accident (projectile vomiting) in the carseat, so after taking it apart and washing it, we decided to go ahead and turn her around last month. She absolutely loves it! Potty training has digressed a bit. She can feel that she needs to go to the bathroom, but she won't sit on the potty to go. I'm trying not to force, but I really think she is ready! Next week she starts her transition to her 2 year old classroom. It is so bittersweet. She really is growing up so fast! 
Words: I told the doctor today that she literally can say 300 words! She has an amazing vocabulary. Kyle chimed in saying that was a little optimistic and it is probably more like 100, but I am a proud momma! She is learning so much and copying all the things we say. I love the way she says "elffant" for elephant and "Go Gators". She definitely over pronounces things which is so cute! She puts 3-4 words together for statements and questions. Some times it is hard to understand what she is saying, but most of the time I know exactly what she is saying or what she wants me to do!
Looking forward to: a few more trips to round out the year, Football season and of course Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas!
Adventures this Month: Since her 18 month update, we visited Canada for a trip with my family and we also went to Jekyll Island with Kyle's family. We went with some friends to their beach house in St. Augustine and that was lots of fun, too! Charlotte also loves our trips to the beach, Target, the Jacksonville Zoo, and our community pool and playground. She is so happy when we are out and about. Just recently she started saying "turn around" when we pull into the neighborhood. She isn't ready to come home yet, she wants to keep exploring! 

We don't go back to the doctor for a well-check until she turns 3! Another update to come at 2 1/2 years!