LaeLaeLue Turns TWO!

With the big road-trip to West Virginia coming up, we knew that we would be doing something very simple for Laelynn’s second birthday this year. However, it had to get really, really simple when I realized that I had literally 3 days to figure it out due to a mom-fail. I felt like the worst mom ever for messing that up but figured I could rally a good family lunch and it would be ok.

Then, things got even more complicated.

Because of Hurricane Irma, things had been crazy busy in PSL and Bemaw and Papa were not able to make the trip over for the birthdays. Then, just one day before her birthday, my mom hurt her knee and she and my dad would not be able to attend. Then I found out that my Papa had plans already with friends from church so he wouldn’t make it either. And then my brother texted me that he hadn’t been feeling well so he and Amanda wouldn’t make it.

So we had no solid plan, no preparations completed, and our guest list was shrinking by the minute.

I was tempted to call everything off and have a pity party instead of a birthday party but moms don’t have time for pity parties.

So Saturday afternoon, we headed to the outlet mall in search of at least a special dress for the birthday girl to wear to church on her birthday. While we were there, the side of my brain that is wired to attempt perfection gave up on me and the hopeless situation, and the side that embraces the chaos of mommyhood started to warm up. It was time to stop focusing on everything that was going south and redirect the attention to the sweet little joy-filled girl who was turning two.

As she played with Jonah and Haven in the courtyard area of the mall, the thought came to me, why not just have lunch here in the food court next to one of her favorite play spots? It was a little unconventional but there would be a variety of food choices, plenty of space, and the minions could play afterwards.

So on Sunday morning, we packed up her favorite lunch of PB&J on gluten free bread, pringles, and applesauce, some home made gluten free cupcakes, got dressed up in her birthday dress and party hat, and headed to church. I had nursery that morning so I got some extra playtime with the birthday girl!

After church, we stopped into Dollar Tree for some party plates and napkins and a few balloons, then into the grocery store for some extra cupcakes, and we were off to the mall.

Laelynn had a great time and we even got to play with our friends Titus, Asher, and Gia who were spending the weekend with their grandparents! All in all, there were 9 kiddos between the 3 cousins, 3 friends, and my 3 minions so there was plenty of energy and giggles to go around. Aunt Lory, Uncle Danny, Aunt Cici, Mr Rick, and “Aunt” Becky rounded out the adults and we all had a good time. I think Laelynn’s favorite parts were the cupcake, the kids helping her open gifts, and her new fairy wings so that she can pretend to be a “Fy!” (butterfly).

The party continued at Nana and Pops house later with more cupcakes and more presents.

I think the parts that touched my heart the most were: watching Laelynn destroy her cupcake with a huge smile, her giggles while she played with the big kids, listening to Jonah read her cards to her, and how much she loved all the attention.

LaeLaeLue, you fill our lives with laughter and joy! Happiest of happy birthdays, baby girl!!!

Church is over, time to party!