Not quite sure why, but I’ve always made a big to-do over my babes’ second birthdays. I think it’s because the first birthday is always a hallmark of survival more than anything else. We made it through the three-hours-of-sleep nights. We changed no less than 2400 diapers. The baby didn’t choke to death during the “I put everything in my mouth” stage. Survival. But the SECOND birthday feels a bit more celebratory. Winnie is talking a mile a minute now, and has been singing Happy Birthday to herself for weeks. She has darling little toddler friends who will be invited to the party. She has a favorite food—pancakes—that mama can create a theme around. Which is why I temporarily lose my mind for the second birthday party. Because these years are worth celebrating. Big or small. Just family or a bunch of friends, too. In your home or another special place.
When Maddox turned two, we threw her a Fancy Nancy bash at her GranJan and Papa’s home. We made it all as elegant as possible and invited my dear friend to cameo as Fancy Nancy from Maddox’s favorite book by the same name. Is it a bonus that my friend’s name is Nancy? My 2-year-old was over the moon when she walked through the door.
When Henry and Harper celebrated their second birthdays, we asked our friends from Rounton Farm if we could hold our party in their barn. It was a farm-themed affair. That year, I became very familiar with Tractor Supply as I decorated for the party. We ate barbeque, took a hayride, fed chickens, and had just an overall marvelous time celebrating our twin toddlers.
This go round, I can’t wait to celebrate Winnie’s second birthday with family on Thanksgiving weekend and again with friends who feel like family back home in Charlottesville. I’ve got some ideas in my head, but all my birthday girl cares about is whether pancakes will be on the menu.
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