Labor Day (It's A Holiday)

So in putting Lil to bed tonight for the second time tonight - the first time did not take - I could not help but think back to Labor Day weekend two years ago. I remember both Marcy and I were so excited about Lily's impending arrival and we were busy taking care of last minute details - we wanted everything to be so perfect for her. Two years have gone by in a blink but Lil has been such an amazing part of our lives - I have a hard time remembering what things were like before she came along. Both Marcy and I know that the last two years have been made easier by the help and support of family and friends. Without you, we would have had no one to turn to for advice, babysitting and all the plastic that has taken over our house. :) Although our families are spread out accross the continent (aside from the Grandparents, I think we have all the time zones covered), eveyone has made tremendous efforts to visit and stay in touch. So, thank you again for all the effort all of you have made to stay such an integral part of our life during Lil's first two years and we know you will be there in the future. Okay, onto the week's news ...

Back from vacation, Lil jumped right back into the swing of things at school. All her pals - especially the biting one's, who were a bit hungry - seemed to miss her. We had a bonus visit from Cousin Emilie this week who was in town for work. Em came over for dinner on Tuesday and got some quality time with Lil - reading some stories and changing a diaper!

The rest of the week was pretty uneventful but on Saturday we had Lily's friend Hayley's two year extravaganza. Crafts, homemadee Blue's Clues cake, running around with her pals - Lily could not ask for much more that night. Sunday and Monday were filled with errands, park visits, short naps and good nights' sleep.

That is all for now. We are gearing up for Lil's birtday party and visits from both sets of Grandparents and Bubbie, Auntie Donna and Uncle Stephen. Pictures and video below ...



The face of innocence ...


Reading a little with Cousin Emilie.


Working on a sun catcher with Marcy at Hayley's party. Hayley's mom painted her very own canvas Blue's Clues bag - she is a craft nerd.


Further evidence of Michelle's craft nerdiness - check out that sweet Blue's Clues hat that Lil is sporting.


Nothing but trouble on that stair- Cole, his cousin Kirk, Lil and Hayley.


Lil's baby sister.


Lil working on piece of homemade Blue's Clues cake, accompanied by a side of Magenta sherbert. Come on Michelle, we give up, you win, we can't compete.


Waiting at the Cheesecake Factory for some lunch.


Looking cool with her pink shades.


A little sticker fun.


Showing off the cool pillow guy made for her by Great Auntie Dora.


Making nice with the horsie that arrived for her birthday from family friends Meredythe and Shelly.


As previously shown, Cousin Stephanie is a ridiculously good artist (see Mural and last year's rocking chair) Needless to say, she has come through again with a super cool stool that Lil uses nightly now to paint her teeth. Cousin Steph is traveling abroad for the next few weeks so her gift was delivered early - thanks again.


Lil, dancing with the stars.