Turning Two

Our baby turned two, so I guess she's our toddling girl now.  I was more emotional about this birthday than about Kate turning one, but feel completely blessed to have this smiling, sweet, growing girl.  We had a Dora the Explorer party and it was a great day.   
All the kids really enjoyed hitting the Pinata.  I was a little worried about Kate's reaction to everyone hitting Dora, but she didn't seem to mind-maybe I should be worried about that.  Aunt Gigi came in for the festivities and helped Kate gather her candy.

More party pics

The party continued with cousin Scarlett spending the night-here are the girls eating breakfast on the couch while watching cartoons.

Later that day we went to Nana and Papa Tom's house to eat a great seafood meal before Aunt Gina left for the airport.  Even Kiwi got into the party spirit.

Snow Time!

Snow fell in NC over inauguration weekend.   It was Kate's first real snow and we had a blast.  

More Snow Pictures

Kate's favorite thing to do in the snow is to eat it. Here she is in action-

The Wedding

Yes, we celebrated a wedding and an engagement over the New Year.  Surprise number one-Nana, Jeff's mom, married Papa Tom the weekend after New Year's Day.  We went to the mountains for a lovely ceremony.  Here is Kate getting ready for the big day.

It was extremely difficult trying to keep Kate from standing up at the front with Nana during the ceremony.  During the reception lunch, she would not be denied.  It was a beautiful and sweet ceremony-they said their own vows which had me crying.  We enjoyed celebrating with them and Jeff did a great job with the toast.  Papa Tom is well on his way to spoiling Kate, just like the rest of her grandparents! Nana and Papa Tom just returned from a honeymoon to Hawaii and we are looking forward to spending a lot of time with them this summer.
Surprise number two-Uncle David and Meghan got engaged!  Here is the happy couple at the wedding.  We are so excited to have her join the family and I'm looking forward to having another sister-in-law!  Wedding is in July and we're working on the perfect flower-girl dress for Kate.

Getting Ready for Christmas

Kate loved Christmas time.  She especially enjoyed helping Grandma hang all the Christmas cards on the door to the office.  Finally, Aunt Heather, there is someone else who will do it!

Christmas continued

As you can see, Kate loved visiting with all her grandparents, great-grandmothers, aunts, uncles, and cousin Scarlett.  She also enjoyed the gifts.  I think her favorites have been her Dora Dollhouse, rocking horse, and kitchen.

Random Pictures

We were able to visit with many people over the Christmas holiday.  Our godson, Joe, and his family even came by for a quick visit.  Below is Joe and Jeff, who is known as "The Godfather", hanging out.  And then Joe's dad and Uncle Dave getting in some Wii action-which was the "it" gift of the season for the Costa family.  Followed by some cute pictures of Kate.



Mom and baby, completely worn out by the end of the holiday.  We both fell asleep on the couch watching Dora.