Two-year-old Paula: Still a doll!

This little girl turned two this week. She put on a birthday shirt and her favorite skirt for her special day.

In the morning, we took her to the party store to pick out a balloon. Her choice was definitively Hello Kitty.

Then we waited outside for Daddy to come back from getting some holiday panettone. Paca was here visiting to keep the girls entertained.

Paula thought her balloon was pretty awesome.

After lunch, she got to open up her presents. She got a piano book from Grandma . . .

 . . . a pink shovel from Ramona . . .

. . . a Hello Kitty towel from Mika . . .

 . . . a handmade pillowcase from Paca and Teresa . . .

(which she misinterpreted as a skirt)

 . . . a Sofia the First doll from Mommy and Daddy (whom she calls "SOO-fia") . . .

 . . . and a Sofia puzzle from Jii and Baachan.

Then it was time for cake! I was so grateful to be able to bake one for her--the morning sickness eased off just in time for me to get to work in the kitchen that week.

I think she was happy with it.

Ramona helped her blow out the candles.

Yum!

Still cake-faced, she went over to play with her new doll.

She loved brushing her hair. Most of all, I think she loved that it was hers. "This is Paula's doll," she kept saying.

While the birthday girl took her nap that afternoon, Paca recruited some kitchen helpers to help make his famous cinnamon rolls.

 Paula got to enjoy one later, once she woke up.

She spent a good part of that evening sitting on my lap and playing with her new piano book. I loved cuddling with my little doll.

Here she is, trying to hold up two fingers to show how much she has grown.

Happy Birthday, darling Paula Doll! We love having you as part of our family. You are so good at playing with your sisters, comforting them when they are sad, and making them laugh. Also, you are an expert at caring for baby dolls: feeding them, rocking them, and telling them "It's okay." Already you have developed strong opinions about food, wardrobe, and things you want to do by yourself, without help--I can tell you are a very strong-willed little girl. You are so full of love and life. Every night I look forward to hearing your little voice say: "I LOVE you!" as you give everyone hugs before bedtime. We love you, too, and are so blessed to be able to keep you forever and ever.