2 years old!

It is hard to believe, but Esther is 2 years old today. Time has flown by, but it is hard to even remember our lives without her. She is such a blessing to our lives and we are so thankful God brought her to us. She was such a easy and happy baby and she has turned into smart, funny, ornery two year old. I won't lie, things are not always rosy (her being a toddler and all), but overall she is a terrific kid. 

We had a good day celebrating her bday today. Josh asked her what she wanted for breakfast this morning and she asked for eggs and a waffle with peanut butter. She got a cupcake for snack, which she loved. She also "blew out the lights (candles)" while we sang happy birthday. We asked her what she wanted to do today, and she said "go to Sam's". So Josh took her to Sam's Club this afternoon. She is easy to please! We ended up singing happy birthday at her request several more times.

Things Esther is doing these days: 

• Talking up a storm. She talks in full sentences and picks up new words daily. She repeats everything we say.
• Loves to help--unload the dishwasher, help with laundry, pick up, put away groceries, etc.
• Loves Clara (most of the time). She asks for her first thing every morning and likes to play with her.
• Loves being outside--riding her tricycle, helping Josh in the garden, walking through the pasture, giving the dogs treats, blowing bubbles
• Still loves books. We read dozens of books everyday. She is starting to memorize several of her books, so she turn the pages and will "read" them to us. She likes to tell us "be careful with the pages"
• She knows all of her letters, numbers, colors, shapes, and animals. She says her ABCs and counts (to 20) mostly correct. We are working with her on counting objects, and she is picking up on that.
• She has started singing more. Current favorites are ABCs, Twinkle Twinkle, Jesus Loves Me, and today-Happy Birthday.

She really is a lot of fun and she keeps us on our toes. Of course she comes with the normal two year old challenges though! We love her so much and are thankful she made us a family. We are looking forward to many more amazing years with her.

Here are some pictures of Esther throughout the past two years.

Here she is eating her birthday cupcake today.