Up Close and Personal

Joseph's birthday was so much fun this year! Our sweet Two Year Old couldn't be more loved...and we fall in love a little more each day. It can get quite sickening when Josh and I start reminiscing about the day each evening, and how sweet and CUTE our little boy is. Or perhaps if it was a more challenging day, all I have to do is think of the sleeping boy down the hall and I am magically inspired to do better tomorrow. You know the old cliche about something or someone giving your life purpose? That's Joseph.

My big project was Joseph's cake. I took cake decorating classes in anticipation of the big day but honestly, with the smell of the Thanksgiving turkey still fresh in the air (and dishes in the sink...) I was a little run down. I always have these grand ideas, then end up only capable of doing the bare minimum. So with all the practice of making and perfecting my butter cream spreading techniques, I couldn't stand another butter cream cake. I ended up making Joseph's with mostly store bought cream cheese icing, dyed to which ever color I needed. I used butter cream for the border since it had to be stiff enough to stay. Alas, I didn't get to smooth the icing to a perfectly level, uniform layer like I was so excited about since I vetoed butter cream and went the cream cheese way - but boy did it taste good. (Yes, I know that corner is a little sharp, but it looks like he is going to make it...)

I came up with a HUGE, gigantic pot of turkey bone soup that really hit the spot before some birthday cake. I was both surprised and relieved that there was only enough left over for a few more bowls. I was afraid I was going to be making room in the freezer for gallon bags of the stuff.

LOVE this shot of the boys! Josh seems as excited as Joseph. Must be tools...

So thankful we made it another year. Man how time flies. Speaking of which, we just got Joseph in for his two year wellness checkup yesterday and all went well. His two year stats are:

• height: 34.5 inches, 50%
• weight: 27lbs 3 oz, 40%
• hep A vaccine and second H1N1

We were given a list of dentists to start thinking about taking him for his first visit! Exciting stuff! But next on the list...work on potty training. Sheesh, potty training today, college tomorrow.