Tony turns TWO!

 Happy 2nd Birthday, Tony!

It seems impossible that it has already been two years since I held that 7 pound bundle of newborn for the first time. I say it a lot, but he brings so much joy and love to our life, and to the people around us. I simply can't imagine life without Tony.

Still such a baby face at 1! And those two little teeth!

At the lake on his 1st birthday!

Today was originally going to be a very quiet day - just the three of us, with the possibility of a couple of honorary uncles for dessert. Due to my invalid status, and my Mom's arrival with three of my brothers, and little Cora, it feels like more of a party! We opened presents after breakfast, and then everyone went with Grandma to do my shopping in Ithaca. When Grandma told Tony they were going to the Market, he said "Market. Donut!" He is too smart for my own good - when we go to the Market I usually get him an apple cider donut. If I don't do that first, he asks me constantly while I'm picking up our CSA veggies and meat.

It is so difficult to get him to look at the camera and smile!

Tony made out like a bandit in the gift department... I can't wait to read him The Story About Ping, The Fox Went Out On a Chilly Night, and Noah's Ark. We have animal and ABC magnets. A child-size table and chairs, that I set up a couple of days ago and has already been much used! Bertie the Bus has joined the collection of Thomas trains. And a Thomas ride-on, which has a compartment under the seat perfect for hauling most of his other gifts in. Tonight he gets to enjoy his new favorite food: hotdogs. He has been asking me for them since the 4th of July. We got lucky and Smitty found a single package in the freezer, after he originally said they were out.

Uncle and Nephew. So precious.

Flash back - Tony was a day old and Teddy was 2.

I don't know what I would do without my Mom here. Keeping the contractions away has required spending 99% of the day laying on the couch, with short periods of sitting, though that is fairly uncomfortable because Baby's head is so low. There is no way I could be making meals, or taking care of Tony. It would have been a stretch to even make a cake tonight, especially since I can't grocery shop.

James and Bertie, being driven with great concentration.

 Next weekend the festivities will resume with my Dad and all of my siblings joining us for another birthday celebration! 

A bit of chubby cuteness. Cora will be 1 next month!