The Big 2

This birthday was special and exciting because it was the first birthday that Linus fully comprehended. We watched a special "Elmo's World" segment on birthdays and by the end of the show, the words "birthday cake" and "birthday party" became a regular part of Linus' vocabulary. Needless to say, he was pretty excited about his special day.

The morning of the party I busily worked to make the cake. Originally it was going to be a plain cake with plain frosting, decorated with plastic bugs from the toy store. Somehow, with Mattias' creative direction, it turned into the creation below: Vanilla cake with lemon curd and strawberry filling, green grass and leaves piped by hand, and squishy bugs from the toystore.

Linus got his favorite breakfast that morning, made especially by Mattias: Swedish pancakes. After literally stuffing his face, we began opening presents.

His favorite gift by far was his new kitchen from Farmor and Farfar, complete with pizza set and cut-able fruit (the knife was wooden, of course.)

Next favorite gift was the butterfly bungalow and ant farm from me and Mattias.

The bug-themed party was originally going to be at a park with a playground, with a balloon artist and all. But due to extreme heat (about 104F) we decided to go for comfort and move the party to the party room in our building. Me and all my pregnant friends were very happy with the change in location.

Kerstin set up her craft station for the kids to explore- all bug themed, of course.

We even brought the kitchen up for Linus' friends to play with. They loved it!

Then after the pinata (as seen in the previous blog) we gathered around to sing "Happy Birthday" in both English and Swedish. Linus blew out his birthday candle, and then the cake was served.

While we celebrate Linus on his birthday, we also use the day to remind ourselves of all the wondrous joy we've experienced since he's come into our lives. Thanks Linus, for all that you've given to us.