two years old!

Harper's second year--
a story in Instagrams

Yes indeed, our little girl is now a terrific two year-old!  In fact, she had her two year-old check up on her actual birthday, which really made it official. Yes, apparently I am the type of mother who schedules a doctor's appointment on their child's birthday--oops!  Fortunately, Harper's Mimi is a nurse at our pediatrician's office so we got give her a big hug during our visit; that made it worthwhile for Harper.  Harper is now 36.5 inches tall and 34 lbs. 12.8 oz; this puts her in the 93rd percentile for height and the 99th percentile for weight.  What a grown-up girl! 
   

Two years old!

It has been an extended birthday celebration, to say the least.  Harper's actual birthday was on a week day so Dallin had to work, but we decided that we would celebrate with a special birthday dinner.  So we asked Harper what she wanted, and she quickly proclaimed, "Shake Shack!"  I was thinking something more along the lines of mac and cheese, but what can I say, little H loves her french fries and milk shakes!  Fortunately, we ALL love Shake Shack so we headed over just as soon as Dallin got home.  If not nutritious, it was at least a totally delicious birthday dinner.  The birthday girl was definitely a happy camper!  In fact, so was her mom.

What the birthday girl wants,
the birthday girl gets:
french fries and a shake for dinner!

Sharing with Daddy

Then, that weekend, we met two of Harper's baby besties, Amelia and George, at Sky Zone for some celebratory birthday jumping.  Jumping remains one of Harper's favorite activities!  We are even thinking about getting her her very own little trampoline for Christmas.  So we couldn't think of a better field trip than a place devoted exclusively to jumping, especially because this Sky Zone location has a special toddler jumping area.  She had a blast!  It was hilarious to watch the kids bounce up and down, playing in tandem if not exactly together.  It was also great for the grown-ups to have the chance to chat while the littles jumped in safety--but that was just an added bonus, of course.  Hunter slept in his car seat throughout the whole jumping experience; maybe next year he can get in on the action.

Birthday hugs from George!

And if all that wasn't celebration enough... The following weekend, we celebrated Harper's birthday with a fabulous group of family and friends at Harper's official birthday "party."  Harper loves ice cream so we had an ice cream sundae bar instead of cake, which was delicious.  This cute girl received tons of amazing gifts, which she relished opening.  But clearly the best part of the day for her was having the chance to play with so many of her favorite people at the same time!  Thanks to everyone, both near and far, who made this such an incredible birthday for Harper.  We feel so blessed that she is surrounded by so much love.

With all the partying we have been doing this month, Harper has been super busy--quite the girl on the go.  Here are some of the other fun things that our sweet 2 year-old has been up to lately:

Playing at the park with Annie!

Enjoying a visit from our Seattle friend, Annie!  Harper was really excited for Annie to come to town; in fact, ALL the Wilsons were pretty excited.  The last time I saw Annie was when Dallin and I went to her wedding this spring, and Harper stayed home with Mimi so we, of course, have since welcomed another Wilson for her to meet.  We had a great weekend visit with her, filled with trips to the park, yummy donuts, lots of coloring and story time--and a little shopping time for Mommy and Annie too.  Harper felt pretty special because Annie got to sleep in her room; she insisted that she was having "a sleepover with Mommy's friend, Annie."  She did manage to share Annie with Hunter, perhaps a little reluctantly; obviously Hunter loved snuggling with Annie too.

Ready for her "sleepover"

Gymnastics class!  We signed up for gymnastics class earlier this fall as a way for Harper and I to have some quality time, while Mimi stayed with Hunter.  Considering how much Harper loves jumping, we just knew it was going to be a great fit.  Not surprisingly, Harper has had a blast!  Harper is in the "Tumble Bugs" class, which is for ages 22 months to 3 years.  A typical class involves three different circuits of activities, followed by free play.  Harper loves it all, especially the trampoline and the bars.  Last week was the last class of the session, and so parents were allowed to take pictures, and there was a special "graduation" at the end of class.  Harper received a certificate of completion, and she was so proud!  Since I'll be headed back to work soon, we didn't sign up for the next session, but we're hoping to get back to gymnastics in the future.  Harper will undoubtedly insist upon it!

Harper receiving her certificate

Proud Mommy & my little gymnast

Now that Harper is two, it feels like she is officially a "big kid."  We are pretty excited for Christmas in another few weeks since she's going to be able to really enjoy the experience, especially compared to last year when she was still so little.  Stay tuned!