Happy 2nd Birthday, Aurora!

My grand niece, Aurora, turns two tomorrow. (The funny thing is that her mother was born on Christmas Eve - they seem to like holidays.) My mother asked me to make a cake for the celebration, and I was happy to do so. I wanted something really cute and special. I want her mother to know that she is loved.

I also made a light-up "A" and a birthday crown for Aurora because every girl needs to feel important. They were fun to make. I did some serious glittering last night.

I was inspired by the one that Posie, over at Posie Gets Cozy, made for her little girl. I was surprised at how hard it was to find nice,somewhat realistic plastic animals.

We celebrated by having a party at my mother's house.

Poor little Aurora did not feel very well between not being able to breathe very well because of allergies and the pain she must be feeling since she has at least one molar coming it. It was great to get a chance to visit with the family, especially my brother and his girlfriend, Ebony.

It was fun to make little girl things for Aurora.

December Daily 9 ~ Christmas Fun with Aurora May Rose

Ever since my kids were little, we've been going to the Echter's Greenhouse at Christmas. They have such lovely trees, decorations, etc. I wanted to begin that tradition with Aurora May Rose, my tiny niece.

My mother and I both wanted to buy her special ornaments. Most of them were too breakable to consider, but we managed to find some fun ones. I gave her a blue, glittered snowflake. My mother gave her a few special ornaments including a few with colored babbles and a small wreath made of spools. I loved the one that looked like a plastic egg bird house.

We also took some photos of Aurora with her mother in the red sleigh. She also wanted to check things out for her self. Who knew toddling could be so cute!

And oh yeah, there were a few other fun things at the garden center.

Sweet Little Aurora

This is sweet little Aurora. She is my 18 month old niece and she is a girl who knows what she wants. I really like that about her.

Here she is with her mom, Kayla. She is the same age as Ethan. She and Jeff have been together since they were 13, but I think baby Aurora was a surprise. However, motherhood really seems to suit her and she seems very happy. I am proud of her and the efforts she puts forth to be a good mother to Aurora. Most of her friends are no longer interested in being her friend. She and Jeff share one car, they do not have cable T.V. or a computer, but still, she does not complain. I think that is pretty remarkable. Kudos to her!

Aurora is bright eyed, inquisitive and clear about getting her needs met. This includes being held often. She and I hit it off right away.

Kayla and I talked about being stay at home moms. I was lucky enough to be one for many years. I talked with her about how hard and isolating it is. I wanted her to feel supported. She says that she would like a hobby to keep her busy when Aurora is doing her own thing. Kayla would like to learn how to do cross stitch and stitch some Disney images for Aurora's room. My mother agreed to work with me to put together a kit for her, but I am finding it very difficult to find what Kayla wants. Finding Disney cross stitch patterns that are good for a beginner more difficult than I expected. I may start her out with a kit to do a fancy version of Aurora's name. That way, if her count is off a small bit, it will not matter.

If you know where I can find Disney (especially Sleeping Beauty) cross stitch patterns, I would love to know. Thanks!