Cora 2 Years

That is my little Cora Bora on her 2nd birthday.  Part of me feels like it is crazy that she is already 2 and another part of me feels like she should actually be older because she acts like it!

At 2....

Cora is a smart little cookie.  She just soaks in everything we say and different situations that occur.  She always surprises me when she references things that happened in the past or something I may have told her only once.

Talks in full sentences and explains her needs, moods, etc.  She asks questions and holds conversations.  Has the cutest little squeaky voice, which matches her little body, that I am going to miss so much one day.  She repeats things people say and also repeats things as a question.

She loves to sing and knows words to entire songs.  Frosty the Snowman is a favorite and she will tell you..."Frosty the snowman is a jolly happy soul with a corn cob pipe and button nose."  Wheels on the Bus is another favorite to sing....there is something about that song that kids just love it and it never gets old for them.  A while back I caught her singing "all about that bass, no treble" and thought it was so cute that I would tell her to sing it for other people....now she refers to it as her song.  She and Elsie really like to dance to that one as well as "Shake it Off" among others.

Is a really good playmate and also likes to play independently too.  When she and Elsie play together, she usually lets Elsie call all of the shots which makes her more easygoing with other kids too.  She doesn't let kids walk all over her though and you will hear her anger if someone comes up and steals one of her toys.  She will also sneak off and play independently, especially with little people or other dolls and houses.  She talks for the people and it is quite cute.

Always wants to watch Matthew or I do things when we are in the kitchen.  Is constantly coming in, pulling up a chair, and saying "I watch you Mommy"  So she gets to "help" cook and wash dishes from time to time.

She can be pretty strong willed and demanding....especially after waking up.  When she is ready for breakfast or snack, she demands it!

Has been very good with her new baby sister and hasn't had too many behavioral issues in the transition, like I thought there might be.  She just isn't quite as much of a mommy's girl anymore.  She pronounces Alaina's name as Aleena or Leena so when she doesn't see her she will say, "Where's Leena?  Where's my baby sister?"  She loves her big sister too and they play really well together, at times.  Other times it seems like they are continuously fighting over who gets which doll or toy, etc.

Loves all of her daycare friends and was really missing them when I first started maternity leave.  She was asking where Bella was a lot and when they do get together it is so fun to watch them hug, chase each other, and laugh together.

I just love the little turkey!  Here are some pictures from her birthday party....The theme was "purple and blue" with foods that color, balloons, and decorations...just didn't get pictures of all of that stuff.

She loved all of her gifts....especially all of the princess outfits and the Llama she got from Andrew and Sarah.  The Llama has been one of the many stuffed animals and blankets that rotates through her crib.