It's July 7th!

Happy, happy birthday Shelby dear!

We had a relaxing, fun day that was all about our favorite two year old. She thinks the whole birthday thing is a pretty good deal and took the reins right away.

We started the day by coming in to sing "Happy Birthday" to her. Last year we did the same thing, and as we sang she got a terrified expression, collapsed into her crib, and sobbed. This year, things went much better. Either Tom and I became better singers, or she's grown more tolerant of waking up to a nice tune.

She requested "talking cereal" for breakfast - i.e. Rice Krispies. When you ask her what it's saying, she says "crackle, crackle...come eat me!". It's freakin' adorable.

We Skyped with Grandma G and Uncle Tay so Shelby could show off her birthday decorations. I put up some streamers and she thought that was pretty darn cool.

Later we walked to the farmers' market to get some peaches - there's a stand there with fruit that will change your life! When we got there, I told Shelby that it's her special day, so if there is anything she wants she can let me know. She immediately said "popcorn". Done! She got her own bag of kettle corn to munch along the way. I like a girl who knows what she wants.

Want some?

After we got back, Shelby munched popcorn and watched How to Train Your Dragon ("Dragon Show"). Then she tore apart one of our cabinets and found the bows. She's our little birthday gift today!

We made chocolate chip cupcakes to celebrate age 2, and Shelby was a great help. However...they're not pretty. Tasty, but not pretty. They didn't bake up all fluffy, but usually you can cover that up with icing. These cupcakes, however, recommend a chocolate glaze and the recipe calls for heavy cream. Fine...unless you forgot to get it at the store! I tried using whole milk and it tasted fine, but was obviously quite runny. I poured it on the cupcakes anyway and it kind of pooled. So...they tasted yummy and chocolatey (and I still ate too many), but they were not at all ready for a photo op.

A while back, my friend Elizabeth brought some brownies to a get-together and dubbed them her "tragic brownies", as they hadn't turned out like she'd wanted (although this inexperienced brownie eater thought they were wonderful, Elizabeth has a much more well-trained eye). I thought it was hilarious, and I'm excited to have my own tragic baking experience. These are my "tragic cupcakes".

We did the whole candle thing, and she thought it was cool to make a wish like Snow White and Cinderella. As long as she's not wishing for Prince Charming...give it some time, little one!

Blow out the candle...

...and eat it up!

All gone!

Shelby could not be more amazing. We love her to pieces and can't believe how fun it is to be with her.

Happy second birthday, little one!