Happy Birthday, Noggin Berries!

Happy Birthday, Raia!

I can't believe you are 2! It seems like only yesterday we finally met face to face, and you stole my heart. I wish I still had the pictures of you in NICU, just a reminder of how far you have come. I do have ones from your last day or so there. You were so tiny, and finally breathing on your own. We were so proud of you, our perfect little tiny angel!

When we brought you home, I think I yelled to your Daddy "Slow down!" about 100 times before we made it to the driveway. Leave it to Mommy to drive Daddy nuts!
This picture was taken after your first bath:

Little did we know, you had pooped in your towel, haha! Guess you liked bath time...

I hate this picture of me, but it goes to show just how tiny you were.

Everyone thought you were going to have red hair, I guess it must have been your love of Elmo already showing in pictures. You didn't really care much for the bouncy seat until you had almost outgrown it, but you did have a few good moments in it :)

This is one of my most favorite pictures, it makes me laugh every time I see it! Rock on, little sister!

Here we are, your first Easter:




Your first birthday was anticlimactic to say the least. We had Hurricane Ike bearing down on us, and as much as I wanted to make a huge deal of it, it just wasn't meant to be. We still had a good time, YOU had a great time, which is all that matters.




During your second year, your love for Elmo has blossomed. I am afraid there might need to be an Elmo intervention in your future! He is the first thing you mention in the morning, and the last thing you mumble as you fall asleep in my arms. Your favorite thing is the Elmo puppet you got for your first birthday, and you love to wear it on your head...silly girl!

This past year we have taken you to the arboretum...

...the zoo (which I can not find the pictures of!)...
and San Antonio - TWICE!


These were pics from your first trip to SA.
Your second Easter was fun! You looked so cute in a dress that Gran-Gran sent you. She always finds the cutest stuff!




Just in the past few weeks you have taken a liking to playing dress up. With a hat, tutu, and (sort of) matching socks...all you need is sunglasses and a magic wand!

Gotta love that hat! BUSTED digging for gold LOL!


I am so blessed to be your Mommy! You never fail to make me smile with that sweet giggle, your never ending need for hugs and kisses that always seem to come at just the right moment, your silly words, and your love for learning new things! I love how stubborn you are, you must get that from me. I hope it doesn't get you into too much trouble! I love that you hate to see Daddy go when he has to go on business trips, your love for your Daddy is so special. There are so many things that I love about you, Noggin Berries, and I can't wait to enjoy finding many more things to love about you!
We love you so much, Raia! Happy Birthday Sweetheart!


xoxox~