Two!

Yesterday was Caden's 2nd birthday! I can't believe how far we have come in two years. I am really going to have to get used to having a child with a birthday so close after Christmas. This year, I really had a hard time planning what we were going to do and was pretty late in getting anything ready. But it all came together really nicely.

Caden has an obsession for balls, any size, color, you name it and I decided that would be the theme for his party. I found some plates/napkins that were red/orange with circles. Then I baked several size round cakes which had domes on top to look like balls. I made a couple chocolate cakes and a couple white cakes. Then I used gum drops to decorate them to look like little balls on top. I had a centerpiece on the table comprised of various balls of different varieties.

I was able to borrow an inflatable school bus which is a ball pit for kids to play in. Once Caden decided it was “safe” he had a blast playing in it. Another friend of mine who is a teacher for children with autism, loaned us a large bag made of special stretchy material filled with balls. She said the kids she works with absolutely love to get inside and move around, pushing against the fabric so she thought Caden might like it as well. I got Caden to sit in it for a minute, but he was a little intimidated by it. Kyler on the other hand thought it was fantastic! In fact, he and his cousins, Brandon & Amelia, spent a lot of time with all three of them in the bag at the same time! It was very funny!

We just had a small party at home with family only. My parents were here, Greg's parents, Greg's sister, brother-in-law and their two kids, and us for a total of 12. Even with that few people, Caden was feeling a little overwhelmed. He wanted me to hold him a good majority of the time. But once we did the cake and opened presents, he started warming up a little.

Overall it was a great day! It is such a miracle to have my precious little man here with us and to celebrate his 2nd birthday. He is truly a special kid. He has such a quiet demeanor and sweet sense of humor. He really gets it when he's being funny. He initiates games with us in his own quiet way and waits for us to realize what he's doing. Kyler is also very funny, but in a much more obvious, loud way. It is amazing the difference between them. Caden is so sweet, sensitive, persevering and courageous: a true testament to a powerful God. We are blessed!

The final product of ball-theme cakes

The ball cakes with the ball centerpiece - okay, I'm not that creative, but I thought it was cute! ;)

And that is why I only borrowed a ball pit and didn't purchase one... the balls end up everywhere BUT the ball pit!

Greg and me with our amazing 2-year-old miracle!

Reaching for the gum drops on his cake and checking to see if he's going to get in trouble... :)

Posing sweetly

Caden with Kyler behind him and cousins Amelia & Brandon on either side

Playing peek-a-boo and having fun with the tissue paper. Who needs presents???

Peeking around the balloons he was playing with

Kyler and Caden playing together in the bus ball pit - so much fun! :)