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...our new computer! Oh i'm so happy. Right now, I am typing on a keyboard that has all of it's keys. Crazy, I know. We were a little worried about getting a new computer, with Evan's grabby little fingers around, but our setup seems to be safe and mildly Evan-proof so we are quite pleased with ourselves.

More importantly, a lot has been going on around here! First, we had Evan's 2nd birthday, during which great fun was had by all. We had some friends over, and Evan had some friends over, and we ate lots of cake.

mmm. Hot dogs and strawberries. Best birthday ever!

When we asked Evan what his favorite part of the day was, he said blowing out the candles (more or less).

Mike got him a little tool set, which he has been playing with non-stop since he got it. He especially likes to "fix" all his tractors and trucks, and he even knows which tool is which! Daddy's little helper. He is pretty much over the moon with all his new birthday toys.

Also, my girlfriend Jeanine came to visit and we had a blast. We got fabulous haircuts and spent a lot of time shopping, so it was a good trip. We (and Evan) spent a wonderful day at the beach, and the water was warm enough to swim in--Evan loved jumping in the waves and he made a bunch of friends there. I think we're getting spoiled with this warm beach business.

In other news...we're going to have another baby! It's due February 24, and Evan says he wants a baby sister. I don't think he knows what that means though, because when we ask him if he wants a girl or a boy he says "boy". We will be happy with whatever we have, but we are definitely excited to find out--we have an ultrasound scheduled for September 25. I'm feeling like myself again (although slightly larger), and things are good in the Smith Household!

Birthday Extravaganza! (sort of)

Evan (and family) has made it through a whole year! Hooray! Thanks to everyone who sent their love our way on Evan's birthday--we had a fabulous day. We didn't really do much-- I made a cake, we had some friends over for dinner, and of course, we had some adorable Pooh decorations and balloons. It was kind of a weird experience, because we felt like Evan's first birthday should be a big deal, but it was pretty much like any other day. Evan of course didn't really care about his birthday (although he was excited about his cake--more about that later) but I imagine we can expect that to change for his next birthday. I feel like this birthday was just practice for all of his birthdays to come. I have learned, for instance, that when singing "Happy Birthday", you should hold the cake with birthday candles away from yourself so that you don't blow the candles out. Lesson learned.

Anyway, we had a great day, and Evan already seems older. For the last couple of weeks, he seems to have been getting bigger and bigger, and we are so proud of him and so ready for him to begin exploring his new toddler stage.

So, onto the cake. I made Evan a carrot cake with cream cheese frosting (due to my recent success at grandma's ("mamo's") birthday), which I must say, was delicious. Still is. I might have another slice for breakfast. Evan agreed.

Here's the cake pre-Evan:

And here's Evan's reaction to it. Note how he touches it first very cautiously with one finger. He does that with everything. Such a smart boy. Then of course, he just digs right in!

--Sorry--trouble uploading the video--i'll have to work on it tonight and get back to you. Until then, I know you'll be waiting on the edge of your seat. Here's another picture to keep you going until then.

He had a good birthday. Thanks for all of your love and support throughout his first year, and all of his years to come! Tomorrow Evan and I are heading to the Heath fair with some friends, and word is that we get to be in a parade. Oh boy! Mike will be gone for a class all week, and I am already looking forward to him coming home, even though he hasn't left yet. Also, my friend Sarah is coming to visit later this week, and i can't WAIT for her to come. We are going to have an excellent time.

Happy days to all!