"Big Sister" Gifts

Over the past week I have been asking for suggestions and scouring the internet for "Big Sister" gift ideas. Mike and I both agreed that we wanted to get something "special" for McKinley, but being that she is only 2 years old, what really defines "special" for a 2 year old? Also, she just had a birthday and got plenty of new toys.

Originally I wanted to get her a piece of jewelry, but I quickly realized I wanted something she could enjoy now without me constantly saying "Don't pull on that", "Don't chew that", "Don't lose that", etc.

A new baby doll seemed like the perfect idea except she already has three (which she loves), and I didn't think a fourth would be that "special".

So, after much thought, we finally picked a few special "Big Sister" gifts and here they are...

(click on the picture & it will link you directly to the item on amazon.com)

 

"Big Sister" Books:

There were lots of  "big sister" books to choose from. I chose the following 2 books based solely on the online reviews. Once these arrive in the mail, we plan on opening them immediately and reading them to M hoping this will help prepare her for the arrival of a little sibling.

Outfit for the Hospital:

This was definitely not a necessity, but once I saw this set of scrubs they were too cute to pass up. Also, McKinley will love getting to wear a new outfit to the hospital and the best part...it can double as her Halloween costume!

Doctor's Kit:

Of course you can't wear scrubs to a hospital without having your own Doctor's kit! We will give her this once she has met the new baby. Hopefully it will keep her busy for at least a few minutes:)

Puzzle Book:
This is something to keep her occupied while she is at the hospital for her visits. She will get to open this during her second visit.

Diaper Bag:
This will be the one gift she will open once we come home from the hospital. We thought it would be the perfect thing to keep her busy and make her feel included while we are taking care of the new baby.

Shower of Love for Baby #2

 

A couple weeks ago, a sweet group of friends and family got together and threw Baby #2 and me a little shower. It was so nice to be able to take a couple of hours and focus on this pregnancy, have a little mommy talk, and open a few new things. The decorations were adorable and the food was great. It was the perfect way to celebrate the upcoming arrival of this little one!  

 

 

 

The Sweet Hostesses!

I am so blessed to have these women in my life. They are a constant source of support, encouragement, understanding and even a little comic relief. I treasure each one of their friendships!

The Guests

I am so thankful for the wonderful family that was able to make it to help celebrate the upcoming arrival of this little bundle of joy.





This day was so special and means more to me than anyone will ever know! Thank you to everyone who made this day so wonderful!


Elephant Birthday Party: McKinley Turns Two

McKinley loves animals and she especially loves Elephants! So when it came time to start planning her 2nd Birthday Party, I knew that elephants would be the perfect theme.

With the help of Pinterest, I started planning this pachyderm themed party. I kept planning and planning and soon what was supposed to be an easy little party (since I am 8 months pregnant) turned into a little more than I imagined.

Originally, the party was supposed to be at our church's outdoor pavilion where there was plenty of room for the kids to run around and they would also have use of the playground. We were going to have bubbles, sidewalk chalk, big bouncy balls that the kids could kick at each other, etc. But Mother Nature had others plans and due to a rainy cold front that moved through, the party was moved indoors.

With the help of family, we decorated the inside of our townhouse and before we knew it, we were surrounded by tons of polka-dotted elephants, balloons and food. We were officially ready for McKinley's 2nd Birthday Party.

I do have to give a HUGE shout out to my sister who took a day off of work to come over early and help me get ready for the party. Without her I would have been lost, very overwhelmed and I might just have gone into labor!
 

 

Elephants, Elephants Everywhere: The Décor

It all started with the invitation!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Let's Party!

 Thanks to all our great family and friends that could make it out to help Miss M celebrate this special milestone! We are truly blessed by each one of your friendships!
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Let Them Eat Cake!

 McKinley loved everything to do with the cake: singing, blowing out of the candles, and of course getting to eat her own piece of cake. This was only the 3rd time she has ever had cake and that is counting the cupcake she ate a few nights back on her actual birthday.
 



Time for Presents!

 After all our sweet friends left, McKinley took a little nap and when she woke up it was time to open a few presents.
 





Here is a video of McKinley doing her best Buzz impersonation after she opened her Toy Story DVD.



This day was so special to our little family. Even though McKinley will probably not remember this party, her Dad and I will never forget the joy that we saw on our two year olds face!

By the way, I promise this will be the last post about McKinley's 2nd Birthday:)