STELLA IS 2!!!

Birthday week is still in full effect! It started out a bit early on Wednesday when Katie and Ava came from Cincinnati to visit us for part of the day. We had a great time catching up, letting the girls get to know each other, dining out and longing for a moment of coherent conversation. :) It was such a treat to have them visit...hopefully it won't be long before we're together again.

Girl talk!

Then on Thursday we prepared for Grandma and Grandpa's arrival. They got in that evening and we were able to have a nice relaxing dinner, all 5 of us.
Friday we were treated to a "friends and family" lunch out at Dewey's Pizza (which has recently opened in Columbus...HOORAY)!!!!
And then Saturday we spent the day celebrating STELLA'S BIRTHDAY! I think more than anything that day, I was reminded how loved we are and how blessed our family is. Stella received phone calls all day from friends and family members ranging in age from almost 3 up to "the grandparent years." She had packages and cards coming in all week and even more arrived today. We're so lucky to have such wonderful friends who care so much about what's going on in our life.
The evening of Stella's birthday, Nick and I got a treat as well. Grandma and Grandpa baby-sat so we could enjoy a night out. We had dinner and then saw Ben Folds in concert. We've sort of started a little tradition of going out on her birthday...2 years running now...I wonder if it will continue?

Our little princess after she woke up on her birthday

Birthday trip to Build-A-Bear

She successfully created "Betsy Birthday Bear" who sings her own version of Happy Birthday

PRESENTS!!!

Stella got food for her kitchen and spent the majority of the weekend serving all of us cake and ice cream..."Here ya go..." "Here ya go..." "oh and sprinkles too....lots and lots"
She is the hostess with the most-ess

Today we had Stella's 2 year check up which went extremely well. She's unbelievably cooperative at the doctor. I can only hope that continues! For those who are interested in her "stats," she is: 28 pounds (60th %) and 34 inches tall (65th %).
We brought Grandma and Grandpa to the airport and were very sad to see them go. Good thing there's already talk about another visit back...maybe even before baby arrives!!
Next, Stella gets to join Bible study with me. The cut off is age 2 and now that she's old enough, she's in! Tomorrow is our first day and she's so excited!
On Friday we are traveling to Captiva Island, FL to have a belated birthday celebration with Grandma and Grandpa Bettcher! We're really looking forward to some fun in the sun! Hopefully it's a preview to some springtime weather here.

We are still in disbelief that we have a 2 year old who knows her ABC's, asks us tons of questions, is starting to identify letters and who has a million other mind blowing developmental achievements. Parenthood is still the greatest challenge and blessing we've ever known.
We are so thankful!