More parties and Bluebell

On December 19 We went to a kids Christmas party that was put on by Stephen's work. You could tell that they put a lot of effort into the party- games, food, performances, Santa and presents! The kids each got a nice present (Noah, stackable blocks and Esme a shape sorter) which was unexpected and lovely. Esme had her hand painted and enjoyed joining in with the games, even if she was a bit too small! She was a bit shy at first but eventually came around and had a good time.

Here is their Santa picture

After the party we got to go and see Daddy's desk

Esme was the only person excited to be riding the train that day.

The 20th was Esme's actual birthday but because she had a few big events in a row, we thought it best to have a relaxed day.

On the 22nd, we went to the Bluebell Railway with Adam, Natalie, Jack and Isabella. Nat had a deal on tickets and invited us along. We had our own carriage and a hamper full of Christmas treats and drink. The day got off to a bit of a slow start as our carriage broke down and had to be removed. We had a first class carriage and were moved to a third (not that there was much of a difference). They gave us a refund for the difference and the kids weren't bothered. In fact, they got to sit on the train for an extra hour longer than they would have otherwise and they loved it!

The first sign of trouble

Here are some pics of the journey

Esme at 2

So, Esme is two. What a smart and spirited little girl we have on our hands. She is a born performer and, despite her diva-like tendencies, is a very loving little girl. I can't get enough of her saying "I love you so much Mummy." I am truly blessed to be her mother and can't imagine my life without her!

Esme can:

Count to ten (she can go to 20 but sometimes misses a few numbers...just the unimportant ones;)
Sing her ABCs
Sing along to most Adele, Lady Gaga, Taylor Swift and Bruno Mars songs.
Sings just about anything, anywhere, all the time!
Ride a scooter (slowly but surely!)
Plays make believe with her dolls and doggy
Potty trained (blog entry to come soon!)
Put puzzles together.
Mastered the art of climbing and descending the very steep and plentiful stairs in our home.
Can spell her first name.
Can tell you her age (and mommy's age)!
Knows her colors

Her favorites

Toy: Doggy (or anything that Noah wants to play with :)
Food: Noodles
Drink: Milk
Article of clothing: Wellies/Boots
Song: Rolling in the Deep by Adele
TV Show: In the Night Garden and Waybuloo
Activity: Swimming
Indoor activity: coloring (she is already attempting to stay within the lines!)
Closest friends: Iona and Cosmo
Favorite book: Sing a song of bottoms, Little Critter books

Esme's Stats:

Eyes: Blue
Hair: Dirty Blonde/Mousy Brown
Height: 34 inches (height taken at 11 month check up)
Weight: 28 pounds (taken at 11 month check)
Percentile: 75-90
She keeps up with the big kids and is doing things that kids a lot older than her are doing. Her verbal skills are above average and she can keep up physically, too.

Favorite sayings:

"I go under the water. I cry."
"I love you so much Mummy/Daddy/Noah."
"It's much better."
"I can't see it anywhere!"
"I want milk!!! Pllllllllease Mummy/Daddy."
"That's not a toy Noah!" (This is when she wants a toy that Noah has)
She calls Noah "Noah John" most of the time.
"I don't wear nappies. Noah baby boy has nappies."
"I don't pee in my pants. My a big girl."
"Noah proper boy. My proper girl."
"It is very cold outside."

Esme is a very spirited little girl. She is known for bursting into song while in line at the post office or grocery store. She really loves to sing and dance. She requests "Abelle" (Adele) daily and absolutely loves all of her music. She loves playing outside on the swings and the slide, riding her scooter (very slowly and carefully) and playing with her friends.

If she finds a piano or keyboard she will play and sing a song of her own creation or a song she knows. Her musical genes have definitely come through!

We love you Esme Jean. Thank you for bringing so much love and energy to our lives! xx

Esme's 2nd Brithday

On December 18th, we had Esme's 2nd birthday party! Here is a look at her invitations...

We went with a hungry caterpillar theme after selecting a caterpillar cake from Costco. Abput 20 people showed up and it was a really good time. I think our house was at maximum capacity and the mess was HUGE...but it was all worth it. Esme wore her birthday outfit from her Godmother Abbie and looked absolutely adorable. Here are some pictures from the big day...

Noah got to spend some time with his godparents (minus Jamers).

Noah also tried to get in on the cake action. He wasn't impressed that all of the other kids were given cake and he didn't! He saw an opening and he took it!

Here is a picture of her cake

It was a cold day (as it tends to be in December;), but the kids did manage to spend some time in the garden.

Esme's friends Cosmo and Iona came

Mommy's friend Michelle and her kids Georgia, Alfie and Freddie came. Georgia was a big help with Noah and practically held him the entire time.

Esme thought it was very special that her big cousins Stuart and Miles were able to share her special day with her. Granddad and Grandma Bailey and Auntie Helen and Uncle Adrian were there, too! Miles was especially happy because he won pass the parcel!

Here is Miles showing off his prize.

The kids also played musical statues (at the suggestion of Stuart) and Stuart won the prize!

Jack, Issy, Adam and Nat also made it to the party (see pics above)! It was choas in a small house but it was worth it and we all had fun!

Everyone was very generous with their gifts and Esme sends lots of love to you all. Here are a few pics of her opening her presents.

Not only was everyone at the party generous to Miss Esme, but she also received several parcels from the US and UK. Grandma Julie and Grandpa Gordy sent her a pair of American Girl bitty twins. Great Grandma and Grandpa Bajema sent her some lovely Dresses, a ballet bag and a light switch cover. Godmother Abbie Sent her the birthday outfit. Grandpa John and Grandma Gale sent her a bike trailer. Godmother Tiff and Paul sent her some Melissa and Doug stamps (I accidently had her open Noah's trunki but it all got sorted out in the end). Grandpa Dave and Grandma Vicki sent her some v tech alphabet magnets and a car garage. Great Grandpa and Grandma Kennedy sent her a check to buy herself something nice. Godfather Mike and Veronica sent her a lovely keyboard. What a lucky girl to have so many amazing people in her life!

Esme sends a big thanks out to everyone who got her a gift. She really did get spoiled and felt like a princess on her special day! xx

Here is a clip of Esme singing Bruno Mars at her party- she really gets into it at the end!