Yep, He's Totally Two!

At the risk of sounding very cliche', I cannot believe that Landen just turned two! I swear it seems like very recently that we brought him home from the hospital. It is very bittersweet, this second birthday that my boy just had. Of course, I am so grateful that he is growing, learning, changing, evolving into this wonderful little man. But, (as the song says...) I'm gonna' miss this. I guess it's different with your second because you already know how fast those first few years truly do pass. You know to savor every second for before long your sweet baby will be almost as tall as you, in first grade, very witty, and have a mind all his own. Still a wonderful stage but not the same kind of wonderful as the cuddling, needing Mama often, cutesy stage. Anyway, I want nothing more than for you to continue to grow and learn and change....I just wish a could take those special moments of the past 754 days and put them in a bottle. So that in a few years, when you are in fact that tall, witty, independent first grader I can take out those moments and relive them from time to time. Moments such as when you cuddle into my neck and squeeze me tight saying "mmm-mmm" .....a true hug. I cherish those. Such as when you say cheese for the camera...you're such a ham, when you say "hurray" after you've learned something new or done a good job, when you cross those arms across your chest , cut those big brown eyes, and stick that bottom lip out for the full pout affect....you are a professional pouter and it is adorable, when your big brother and you cuddle up on the couch and you plant a big fat kiss right on his cheek, when you pull your shirt up at nap time and bedtime for me to rub your back or tummy, when you blow me kisses, when I come to pick you up and you run to me saying "Mama" like my being there is the most wonderful surprise on Earth and you wrap yourself around my legs.....I could go on for days about the moments I would bottle. I may not be able to physically bottle them but they are bottled in my heart forever. You are one of a kind, Landen Tate Raines and you bring all of us more joy than you'll ever know.

THE 2nd BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION OF OUR "LANDY" (This is Ethan's nickname for you and Daddy has picked up the habit of calling you that too.) BOY: We celebrated at Hopscotch's Playplace on Dec. 31st

Ethan & Grammy playing with sweet Lexie

Landen  & Xander Sliding

Fixing Xander Pretend Lunch

I Love Your Expression Here... It's Pure Delight!

Getting More Food from the Pretend Fridge

You Were Being Bashful because We Were Singing to You

You Blew That Candle Out Like it was Nobody's Business!

Heaven Forbid....You had Cupcak on Your Hand!

Such a Big Boy Opening Gifts this Year

"No help needed Mom!"

Excited Much?