i just finished frosting somebody’s birthday cake in the kitchen. the entire time i had to fight back the biggest baby tears. i am an emotional wreck today. eleanor is officially two. part of me is mad today is already february 1st because i am not ready. it is difficult to admit to myself that we are already here. even harder to say aloud. it went too fast. scary fast… they aren’t kidding when they say you blink and they’re fully grown. i have decided to stop blinking from now on.
and so here we are, february 1st 2013. my baby girl is two years old.
lately, eleanor carries around one of those little rubber blue bulb syringe things we got at the hospital when she was born. she uses it as her microphone when she feels like singing. it also serves as her ice cream cone when she feels like having a lick. she even sleeps with it… and just when i think she is fully out for the night and try to pry it away from her little grasp, she tightens her grip. ok eleanor, you can sleep with that snot sucker thing, sure. sometimes i crave an ice cream cone in the middle of the night, too. she has a fascination with the moon. we look for it in all of our books. we look for it when we are outside and we look for it when we are inside by looking out the window. sometimes we catch it and stick it in our pockets. and sometimes we play catch with the moon before we toss it back into the sky. the best is when she pretends to roll it under one of the cribs and says, “oh no! moon! where are you?!” and then goes searching the apartment from the moon… “are you here? noooo. MOON! are you here?!….. noooooo….” as she looks under furniture and in closets.
as we are leaving the apartment each day and are about the close the door behind us, eleanor says, “keys, mama? keys?” i did not train her to do this but i’m thankful someone is on top of things around here. she loves to skype with grandma and grandpa. in the middle of the night a few weeks ago she came and pulled me out of bed and led me to the computer in the front room. she then pointed to it repeatedly while signing “grandma. grandma.” sweet girl. how do you explain to a 2 year old that it is 3 in the morning and grandma is asleep? she cried. and then i cried because it is hard living so far from family sometimes.
the other day i was sitting on the bed nursing samson and eleanor casually walked into my bedroom. she leaned up against my bed crossing one leg over the other and rested her head against her hands (one of which held a little blue crayon, naturally) and looked up at me. “oh, hi mama.” ”hi eleanor. what are you up to?” she used her hands while she spoke very fast about something that sounded very important and i nodded my head back and forth trying to catch little phrases of things i could understand while occasionally offering up responses like, “really?” or “wow!” or “and then what?” when she finished, she turned to walk back out, pausing before she got to my door to blow me a kiss over her shoulder. “bye, mama.” and then, you know, for the 798th time that day, my heart burst.
i am so thankful for you, eleanor. i love you more than you will ever know. happy birthday, sweet sweet baby girl.
first photo by carissa gallo.
Happy bday to this sweet girl!
Oh this post is too precious for words. I can’t wait to be a Mum. You’re so lucky <3
Oh my goodness! Two already?! Where has the time gone! Happy birthday, beautiful girl! I hope you all have a wonderful day celebrating :)
Much love,
Rosie
happy birthday eleanor!!
i’m going to be there myself in a few months. frosting a cake with tears on my face and a lump in my throat. babies are the best. beautiful post. enjoy the day!
PS: Happy Birthday Eleanor!! xx
oh my goodness. this was just about the sweetest thing I have ever read. You make me wanna have babies so I can have all these magical moments. Thank you for sharing her with us! Happy Birthday E!
heyyy! happy bday sweety
Happy Birthday to your lovely little lady. Time really passes too quickly doesn’t it?
http://lifeiswhathappensblog.wordpress.com/
She’s so adorable! happy bday to her!!
Aww… sweet post. Happy birthday to your baby girl!
happy birthday, eleanor!! it’s hard to believe she is 2 already!! crazy how fast time goes once you become a mother, and how many times your heart breaks out of love for them! xo
Happy birthday to the little angel!
My daughter turned 4 two weeks ago and that was a
crazy moment where I have realized that she’s a real little girl,
you can still enjoy the baby phase with both of your babies :)
http://lartoffashion.blogspot.com
It sure does go crazy fast…happy birthday to your little cutie!
Sweet Eleanor, I’ve been reading this blog since your mama & papa were living just the two of them in nyc! It may sound like a strange thing to say but I have grown attached to you and your beautiful family over the years, reading about you all here. Happy birthday sweet girl!!! XOXO
this is so, so beautiful and bittersweet. motherhood is a funny thing. happy, happy birthday to a dear, beautiful little girl.
xoxo
this is one of the sweetest posts i have ever read!
happy birthday E!
Happy Birthday to your little girl! Your post just made my heart burst :)
Grace
http://gracep-photos.blogspot.com
I love the writing style here. I teared up a little. She is one loved little girl! Happy Birthday Eleanor!!! Wishing you a year of greatness!!!! Xoxox
Happy birthday! I can’t believe she is two, such a big day! Congratulations, she seems like an absolute angel. You’re so blessed X
You are so blessed to have such a healthy happy beautiful family. Happy birthday E!
xoxo
Juliette Laura
http://juliettelaura.blogspot.com
Happy Birthday beautiful girl! Enjoy many crayons, ice cream and birthday cake on this lovely day.
This is adorable!
Ah precious! My daughter just turned two and it is the most precious age. I am scared by how quickly time is passing with both babies. She is a little girl now, who has her opinions and interests. In the two years she has gone from being my baby to a big sister and I am so proud of her growth.
It is an honour and privilege to be a mama. Wishing you a wonderful day of celebrations.
PS. My little girl reminds me ‘car keys mummy’ before we leave. What is it with keys!??
Oh my gosh, this just made me fall in love with your sweet little girl. It’s going to be exciting to see the little girl she becomes as she gets older though, as much as it stinks how fast it all goes.
I’ve been following this lovely blog of yours for years now, I still remember when y’all announced that you were expecting your first child, then of course the little bundle of baby joy that came in 2011 and as your family has grown i’ve been delighted to follow along. It’s amazing to have been able to watch E grow-up and blossom into such a marvelous little girl. She is not only ABSOLUTELY adorable but I feel certain she has a heart of gold just like her mama. I wish her a very, very ,very happy second birthday!!!!! may all her wishes come true, her dreams be achieved and may all her days be filled with joy.
Thank you for sharing bits n’ pieces of your life, you’re truly an inspiration.
xoxo
happy birthday eleanor!
you love her so much, and she loves you so much too.
this is the sweetest post. you can both keep it forever:)
I melt. This is the sweetest. Happy Birthday Eleanor!
happy birthday dear baby girl! xoxo from switzerland!
So sweet! Happy Birthday Eleanor :)
Beautiful beautiful post! I share a birthday today with Eleanor and am turning 30 (scary, I know). Someday, when Eleanor is 30, she’ll have this wonderful, heartfelt blog to look back on and be reminded of how lucky she is. These memories are so precious. Enjoy every minute!
Happy birthday Eleanor… have a fabulous day! xo
This random memories and emotions are the best to try to describe what cannot be described in words unless you experience it. Eleanor is such a special kid and not only because she is yours and this is your blog, not only because you gave birth to her and you adore her no matter what. Eleanor is so special because she captures every reader’s attention with everything she does, with a random shot, a smile, a song, a video, a new activity. Everyone reading your blog should be in love with both your children, but especially E, as we know here for longer (sorry Samson, it will soon be your turn :D). Your little girl is such a show stopper, has a way to make everything her own way and most importantly she reflects happiness and sunshine in every single thing. She is one of the reasons I am longing to have children one day and I secretly wish they are as happy as E and S (and I have not always been a fan of kids, until lately).
So allow me to wish you a happy happy -your own way- kind of birthday Eleanor, full of your family’s love, your beloved faces showing you gratitude and smiles for being around them and making their lives better. Thank you for making me express this words from 4634 miles away, with an ocean and a continent between us, after following your young life since you were in your mama’s belly.
This made me give out a huge sigh! SIGH. This is going to be me in a couple weeks, when my little baby turns two. Seriously where did the time go? It really feels like yesterday when we brought her home and now she’s running around all over the place, and talking exactly like you described with Eleonor, long animated phrases with only a few words we can understand. Sigh, anyways, wishing a very very happy birthday to your little girl and may she always be a source of pride and happiness for her little family. xoxo!
Oh and my family lives an ocean across and it aches my heart. We just returned from seeing them and just watching her being loved like she was their own, brought it all back. It is truly heartbreaking to live far from your loved ones, and is felt even more once you have babies. Sending love your way,
This was such a beautiful, heartfelt post. Honestly.
Happy Birthday Eleanor!
Happy birthday, Eleanor! Wonderful, beautiful post.
Aw, this is such a sweet post! You almost made me cry too! Happy birthday, sweet Eleanor!
happy birthday sweet baby eleanor! you are so so loved and you don’t even know it yet! you have the most amazing family and are truly blessed! have a fabulous day and stop growing up so fast!! xoxo
My husband and I have been trying to get pregnant with no success, and last month I was diagnosed with some unfortunate conditions, so now I have to go to a fertility specialist. Needless to say, that comes with endless challenges and emotions. Despite the frustration and sadness, its reading things like this that make me so excited to finally be a mommy. I can’t wait to experience moments like that—but for now, thank you for sharing them so that I can have a little glimpse into what its like.
Much love to your family and birthday wishes to your little one!
Happy Birthday baby girl!!! I don’t have kids (yet). I’m quite afraid of it… what if I do anything wrong? But reading your blog I just can’t wait to have a baby!!!
Amazing post, very touching!
Happy Brithday to your cute and adorable Eleanor! ♥
xx
Oh this is the sweetest post ever. She is so lucky to have you as her mama, I want to cry just reading these words! You’re all so lovely x
Happy Birthday Eleanor! What a lovely post for her birthday, Naomi! Thanks for sharing E’s cuteness with us!
My Sofia will be 2 very soon, I’m sure I’ll be so emotional too.
http://www.vindiebaby.com
Vintage Inspired Fashion by Independent Designers for Your Little darling
Beautiful!
Please don’t let anyone tell you two is terrible, it is truly terrific. So full of wonder, communication, hilarity, charm…so full! One sure is fun though, hard to say goodbye to for certain.
Also the moon part was adorable. My first son has a similar lunar love, he is so fascinated by the phases of it grows and shrinks. Yo should get this book for the birthday girl; ERIC CARLE’S “PAPA, PLEASE GET THE MOON FOR ME” if she doesn’t own it already. So lovely and interactive in the way it unfolds.
My baby boy, Edison turned two months this morning and I shed a few little tears of joy and sweet sorrow. These blessings, my, my, all you can do is marvel at the pace of time and the immensity of love.
Happy birthday Eleanor, Enjoy the beautiful life that is your family! What a gift!
sending you lots of love today, mama. it all goes too quickly. but oh, what a joy she is!
happy happy day, pretty little miss! 2 is big business!
xoxo
Happy birthday little E!
happy birthday little sweet eleanor!
That was simply beautiful to read. I can’t wait for the days when I will be able to say things like that about my own future children. Happy Birthday little E.
http://www.theangeldiary.wordpress.com
Happy Birthday Eleanor!! I hope you have a wonderful day filled with lots of love!! Naomi good luck with the terrible twos!! You will do just fine!!
It sounds like you are incredibly blessed with a wonderful child! Happy birthday to her :)
Happy birthday Eleanor! It is so crazy how fast time passes! She is absolutely darling. You are very blessed. :)
Oh, this warmed my heart!! What lovely words. I’m sure Eleanor will love this when she is older!
YOU MADE MY CRYYYY!!!!!!! OMG! I don’t have kids, but this definitely touched my heart. You are an amazing mama, with amazing kids. Blessings!
such a sweet post for your baby girl – she will always be your baby.
when getting my daughter dressed on her first birthday, in a little white sun-dress and talking to her, i started bawling my eyes out saying “and someday… sob sob.. i will dress you in a big white dress…. uncontrollable sob”.
you are right, no more blinking!
can’t believe it is february already – happy birthday e!! enjoy your birthday!
Oh how I love letters from mamas to their babes. My favorite blog posts to read. The bit about the moon? So, so sweet.
Happy Birthday E! This post made me tear up… such a sweet thing.
xoxo
Liesl
woodsy-soiree.blogspot.com
every day I read your blog and find another reason why I want the wonderful life events that you have experienced to happen to me as well! e and samson are so lucky to have loving parents like you and josh. without even knowing it your little blog has helped me to clarify what it is I want from my life and relationships in a way you probably would have never realized, and for that I thank you!
happy birthday to e! and thank you!
Mary
Happy Birthday Miss Eleanor! And many more to come. Tell your Mama that two is a wonderful year; hard work to be sure but for all the first times and the special times that have been there are so many more to come. My little Kit has changed so much since she turned two last September and I’m loving every minute of this roller coaster ride.
Feliz cumpleaños, Eleonor… Dios te bendiga mucho
Happy birthday, Eleonor… God bless you
I just want to take a moment to offer my solidarity, from one mama to another. They do grow so fast. My son is 10, and the other night I had a dream about getting to hug him as a toddler again, and kiss his chubby, sticky little cheeks and, oh my, I’m crying just remembering it. Cherish this time. Two so is precious and so is Eleanor.
A very happy birthday to little miss E! Time really has zoomed past! I hope you all have a lovely day today. Also I think your camera is helping a lot in trying not to blink, because you are able to catch the little moments in your days.
I wish you all the best today, and thank you once again for showing us a glimpse at how quickly she is growing! :]
-B.
This post is beautiful!
…and now I want kids even more! Awesome post. Happy birthday, Eleanor!
I would like to request (on behalf of all of your readers) a video of her looking for the moon around your apartment.
I cannot believe she is two. When I first started reading your blog, you had just had her! And if time is flying for me, I can’t imagine how fast it must be going for her mama. Haha. She seems like such a sassy, loving little girl! Well done you and Josh, and Happy Birthday Miss Eleanor.
Cheers from San Francisco,
Molly
It feels like only yesterday I left a comment for her 1st birthday… the year has flown by.
This post is lovely though, the blowing of the kiss would have burst my heart too :)
I hope she has a wonderful day
Sweet sweet little E. Happiest 2nd birthday!
Admire and enjoy your writing, and constantly inspired by your photos! Thank you :)
Camilla
Oh gosh also, if she loves the moon look out for the Pixar short called La Luna, I bet she would just adore it, I did :)
This was soo beautiful, you made me cry and
Im working :) I wish I would be mother someday like you :)
Happy Birthday sweet Eleanor ^_^
I love your smile so much! oh and your little brother too <3
Thanks Taza for sharing your beautiful life with us!
God bless you little E!
Aww Happy 2nd birthday E!!! You are so adorable!! I cannot believe how fast time does fly!!
XOXO
This post makes me incredibly happy. I’m sure motherhood is difficult at times, but in the end, it’s worth it when your little girl blows a kiss over her shoulder or says silly things about the moon.
Pingback: inspirations, gratitude and surprises «
I don’t know how but I feel emotional too. I’followed your blog even before E was bornt and saw how she grow up, and today she’s two already?! Time sure flies.
Happy Birthday little E! May you always be the cutest, kindest, and most of all, loving as you grow up.
xx
This is beautiful! Happy Birthday!!
Happy 2nd birthday miss E!! Such a beautiful post! x
Happy birthday you special little girl…:)
http://lejlatravels.blogspot.com/
Oh whew! When I read “crayon” I thought she’d left a mural on the wall. Instead she just had something to tell you. Two is my favorite age. Her best days aren’t all behind you; don’t worry :).
So very sweet! Your little Eleanor sounds like such a sweetheart. And I know how you feel, my oldest boy is turning 3 next month, 3! I can’t believe it and my other little guy will be 2 end of August…way to soon. I got teary eyed just reading how quick it goes by because, yes, yes it does. And you never know what people are talking about when you are first handed this little newborn and they say “don’t blink”. And then you finally understand.
i hope that you save all of these posts for E and S to read one day… because this one really is super sweet & special.
Happy Birthday, E!!
xx, kara
Eleanor is the sweetest little girl I have ever seen. I’ve honestly never been much of a kid person, but truly, your blog has made me think that maybe they’re not so bad after all :) I’ve really enjoyed reading along and watching her grow (as much as anyone can through a blog) and you are doing a *beautiful* job raising your children. You go girl.
Happy birthday, little one!
Happy Birthday to little miss E!!
happy birthday to your sweetie! my gal turns two on monday! it is bittersweet!
Awww, she is such an adorable little girl. Love your stories about her, It’s almost like we were there.
Happy birthday Eleanor!
the last paragraph is so heart-warming and touching.. My boy is now 4 years old and I also wonder why does time fly so fast and how is it that he’s getting so big.Nonetheless, our children will always be our babies, no matter how big they are. ♥♥
http://smittenbyangels.blogspot.com
You are an awesome Mom and you have the sweetest daughter! xoxo
Such beautiful words! I remember so clearly getting a text that this girl was born, and even more clearly how glad my heart was celebrating her 1st year, with my little girl there too. I love how much Rinah and Eleanor love each other, makes my heart sad at our distance.
Give her a biiiig hug from us!
Happy birthday to little miss E:) My baby girls birthday is on the last day of the month. I’m so jealous she’s so chatty with you. My girl is on her way and I can’t wait! Patience is key,.,but who has that with three kids?? Lol
My eyes teared up reading this. So so sweet! Happy Birthday Eleanor!
How is that possible? It’s not fair that they grow up so quickly!
I played that little game with Eleanor a few weeks ago. We were looking for her car at 2 Amy’s. “Is it by the door?” Nooooo “Is it up the stairs?” Nooooo “Does Henry have it?” Nooooo
It was seriously cute. Happy birthday to Eleanor! Lots of love from your friends in DC! High five from Hen!
<3
now you have me in tears. have fun with your birthday girl, momma!
I literally teared up. Awwww!! It must be so wonderful to be a Mom. That is the cutest thing about Oh Hi Mama. Happy Birthday Eleanor!! She is too cute!!!!
Happy happy birthday e! Xo
happy birthday e! one day you’ll look back and see these amazing letters your mama wrote to you and about you and know what a wonderful family you have. you are so full of life and can’t wait to see what your 3rd year of life has in store for you!
xo,
joy
I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again, you are an incredible writer. you set the scene perfectly. your darling children will have wonderful memories of their childhood thanks to the way you are able to document the simple moments in life. absolutely beautiful.
adorable! that was a great read. eleanor sounds like an absolute gem.
ps. this font is awesome.
Happy Birthday sweet Eleanor!
It’s been truly a pleasure seeing pictures and hearing stories about you and your sweet family for the past two years. Please thank your mama for sharing. Your family is truly lovely xo
Hi Naomi! I don’t have children but this post brought me to happy tears! You sound like an absolute wonderful mother with eternal love for her children! I love that you document your life because it will always be a place you and your children can look back on way into the future (which hopefully won’t come too fast)! Happy birthday Eleanor and thank you so much for your heartfelt reads! They are always so beautiful!
Happy Birthday dear Eleanor!! Happy Birthday to you!!! Sending her and you Naomi biggest birthday hugs and warm sunshine from Arizona. Shes a special one, that girl.
Andrea
andreanjace.blogspot.com
This just made my day! She is adorable and I hope she has an amazing birthday and you are an amazing mom and such an inspiration for when I have a family one day!
What a little beauty! Those moments are the best.
Happy birthday, Eleanor and congratulations, Naomi and Josh! Naomi, I discovered your blog two years ago, about a month before Eleanor was born. I have followed you ever since. It has been so fun to see how much your beautiful family has grown over the last two years. I can hardly believe it’s been that long either! I hope you and Josh can have some time together to celebrate two successful years as parents.
Happy Birthday, baby E! Or should I say big girl E?
Happy birthday to your sweet Eleanor! She sounds like she has such an amazing and sweet personality. I hope you enjoy celebrating 2nd year this weekend!
Awww, those stories are just too cute! Happy birthday to her :-)
I have tears in my eyes as I read this and my heart is so full of love for my own daughter who is almost 17 months…
happy birthday sweet, beautiful E!
Ahhh, you got me on the missing family part. I totally feel you on that, its really rough. I’m moving back to my hometown after 5 years of being away because I’ve missed family and friends so much. : )
Oh and Happy Bday Eleanor!
Happy birthday to Eleanor! I just love watching her grow up on your blog. So weird, but I look forward to looking at her sweet photos.
http://ishowedupinboots.com
Oh my god! I’m about to cry! How sweeeeet! You’re such a good mother and you’re Kids are really a blessing !!!!!
Happy birthday from the UK Eleanor!! Have a wonderful day!
HOLY MOLY I started following you when you found out you were pregnant with her : ) I have been loving every minute of it!
Prayers to you and your family on this new TODDLER adventure! : )
This post is so sweet. Thank you for sharing your wonderful photos and stories – this post in particular makes me so excited to be a mother someday!
So sweet! This little lady has grown so much in such a short time. Happy Birthday Eleanor!!
I can relate to this post on SO MANY levels. My baby girl turns two in two days, she’s a lot like Eleanor, busy, smart, loving, funny…I can’t even think about what a mess I’ll be Sunday! My little family lives hundreds of miles from all of our parents and siblings too. It’s tough, especially around birthdays and milestones. Anyways, love those babies up, and definitely don’t blink!
Happy Birthday E!
Happy birthday to Eleanor! Love the sweet stories you shared
Lovely post Naomi. You do have the cutest little girl. Sometimes I feel like I know her even though I’ve never met her in person. She sure seems like a blast. Hope you guys have a very fun day. Virtual hugs from L.A!
beautiful, beautiful post. happy birthday eleanor!
http://sleeplessanddreammore.blogspot.com.ar/
This post brought tears to my eyes, so sweet. Happy b-day to your sweet girl!
This is absolutely adorable! She already has quite a personality and thank you for sharing these amazing stories! I know she is really going to love looking back at these when she is older, especially because Skype will probably be such a thing of the past!
xx
Kelly
Sparkles and Shoes
awwww how adorable. i can’t wait until my little one starts speaking. he’s 8mo today and has not said anything yet; no vowels, no consonants, at least not voluntarily; i did catch a “boo” and a “agoo” once or twice. he vocalizes but it sounds more like happy wining. xD have to be honest im a bit worried. but what first time mom isn’t.
anyway, happy birthday Eleanor!! you are the cutest – ever!
love, x
[ blog | twitter | facebook | instagram | bloglovin | hellocotton ]
she makes the heart swell, that’s for sure. such a little treasure. happy birthday little E.
Happy Birthday, to your sweet little girl.
Happy 2nd Birthday E! Hope she’s had an amazing day and gets to see (these coments when she’s older) how much she’s loved by all us strangers! Probably because she’s so damn cute! ♥
http://tailoreddays.blogspot.co.uk/
Hi naomi, i hv been following your blog for quite sometime now n i absolutely love it! Needless to say i have grown to love eleanor n samson too! Happy birthday to cute little E frm my side. Ur gurl is absolutely adorable! :)
http://abeersadiq.wordpress.com/
Happy Birthday Eleanor! Here’s to another year of blessed life : )
dear e!
before you go to bed tonight, find the brightest shining star up in the sky and catch it. it’s yours forever to keep.
from this day on, that star, the brightest shining one, will shine only for you. forever and ever and ever.
let this be my little gift to you. happy birthday!
<3,
the moon.
Wow – I can barely type through my tears….My “little” angel turned 15 today. I can remember the moment she was born like it was yesterday. Remembering the first time we looked at each other melts my heart. And here she is… on the cusp of womanhood. Cherish and treasure this special relationship because you are in for an amazing adventure.
Happy birthday sweet girl!!!!! Your words made me a little teary..
Happy Birthday sweet baby E!!!:)
We all love you so!!!<3
such sweet words. i teared up just reading this. happy birthday eleanor!
xo
Happy Birthday Sweet E!!!
I’ve been a HUGE HUGE fan of yours since your mama began sharing photos of you when you merely in the womb.
i love being in some small way a part of ‘E’ world.
happy birthday
feliz cumpleanos
joyeux anniversaire
xoxo
Jah
http://www.chatteringgem.com
such a beautiful post! and i feel like time flies even faster with the second one (which you’re probably learning firsthand)…and i’m sure it goes faster and faster with all the subsequent ones. a perfect reminder to savor all the sweet little moments!
Gosh, my heart is in my throat reading this post because my own little girl turns two at the end of the month and I feel just the same way! She also loves the play the ‘where are you? Are you THERE? Noooooo!’ game.
As much as I miss my tiny baby, I also enjoy spending time with her so much. At one time I really worried about the future and going back to work and all of those things, and now I don’t worry anymore. I have decided to actually pay attention to what people say about kids growing up too fast, and really focus on spending time together and laughing and having fun.
Then, when they are grown and they are away from us, we can know that we truly made the bets use of our time together.
And now I’d better stop because I will cry too! Much love. X.
Happy Birthday Eleanor! I have never met you and I am completely smitten by you! You are an absolute joy and I am so glad your mommy and daddy are willing to share pictures of you and your silly moments. May you have many wonderful birthdays surrounded by the ones you love!!! Happy Birthday Sweet Eleanor!
this post just warmed my heart so much. it makes me realize all over again, that there is nothing better in the world than being a mommy. and i’m going to stop blinking too!!
You have the MOST beautiful family!
Time really flies doesn’t it ? I remember seeing Eleanor’s first picture on this blog and how you kept her gender a surprise. Hearing you talk about your baby girl and your little moments together is simply so sweet. When are you going to start taking her to mother-daughter dates?
Happy birthday E!
That was a beautiful post Naomi. Everything you wrote was so specific to your precious baby girl, but so recognizeable to other mothers out there. It made me so happy to read it. Thank you.
Oh my goodness, what a precious post to sweet Eleanor. This will be so special for her to look back on one day. I hope you all have a fabulous celebration with her this week.
http://www.rachaelkatherine.com
Oh my goodness, what a sweet and precious post. This will be so special for you all to look back on one day. I hope you all have a fabulous weekend celebrating your sweet baby girl.
http://www.rachaelkatherine.com
I hate when moms do this. Be happy! Life to too short to mourn how fast it’s going by.
This is the sweetest post! I love when you write longer essays that really depict your relationship with your kids. You sound like an excellent mother.
I love these anecdotes. I love the photos of her but it’s also fun to get a glimpse into her personality through these little stories. What a wonderful life you’ve made. Happy birthday to E and to you for having her!
Such a sweet post! Thank you for reminding me that even with all the bad things happening in the world, our homes and family can be a heaven on Earth.
Adorable!
Happy 2nd birthday, Miss Eleanor :)
Happy Birthday, E!! I can’t believe she’s two already?! I felt like I was here last year reading about her first birthday! Time really does fly by fast. It’s insane. I hope you guys have a wonderful day!
xo
Rachel
Happy birthday E! You are just so adorable.
My baby boy is turning 1 tomorrow, Feb 2nd, and I am in denial too.
I don’t comment much, I don’t know if you get time to read them all. Being such a busy Mama, but I just wanted to tell you how amazing you are. I read this post and I cried, because I long to have a baby so, so much. I can’t wait to see if I am blessed to hear the words Mama & for my child to blow me a kiss. You are so inspiring as a mother and a woman and your children are simply beautiful – along with your marriage. I just wanted to tell you that. Happy Birthday to your beautiful miracle. xx
Annnd I cried. I kept thinking about how my parents must feel having their only child so far away from them, and the speed at which I must have grown up. It’s so scary, you’re right. Give E a butterfly kiss for me. Happy Birthday little one!
Oh my, this made me tear up – okay not just tear up, full on cry. Such a sweet post in honor of your precious girlie. My girlie is about to turn 12 in two weeks – time flew, it flew so fast. A friend shared this quote “The days are long, but the years are short.” Oh how very true.
It makes me realize that my mom still sees me and remembers me as a baby, a little girl, a young woman and the woman I am today. It is all so very touching and sweet – how lovely life is.
I wish precious Eleanor a very happy birthday. And I wish you, her mama, a very happy birthday.
Cute pictures! & adorable baby!
http://www.gbofashion.com!
Well, just reading that made me want to cry – the sweetness! She is a gem.
Feliz cumpleaños, princesa!!
Such a touching post! I know she’ll look back on this one day and smile :) So many birthdays around here lately – happy birthday, Eleanor!
This was a beautiful post.
xx
libertyonless.wordpress.com
Happy birthday, little Eleanor! You sound like such a funny little girl. Keep it up! xo
Happy Birthday Eleanor! You bring joy to all you meet and even those like us you haven’t! Congrats on beginning year Two Mommy and Daddy – I’m sure it will be an even more entertaining ride!!! oxox
Happy birthday to your sweet girl! This post brought tears to my eyes. My daughter was born three weeks after Eleanor so in a weird way I feel like they grew up “together.” Being a mama is the best…
Your post (aka love note!) about Eleanor made my heart melt. SIGH. Sania will be turning two in April… Happy Birthday Eleanor! Hugs, Sania
Happy birthday E!
I want to thank you, Naomi, for all of your posts. My daughter Fiona turns 1 tomorrow and I’ma wreck just like you are. I never knew I could love someone so much. Reading your blog has really helped me when we have our rough days. It helps me refocus my energy and dig deep for that love. You really inspire me to be the best mom I can be. Thank you.
Happy Birthday Eleanor! That’s two birthdays back-to-back, you must be a busy lady!
http://juliestripbook.blogspot.ca/
this is so beautiful!
loveliest words. happy birthday, e!
Okay. Now I’m crying – again.
My little girl just turned five and will start school on Monday.
Just the thought of her walking into that school building makes me cry and I will be weeping in her daddy’s arms when it will actually happen.
Luckily I have a ten month old also. So more baby time.
Having children is the best and hardest in life, isn’t it?
I loved your post.
I don’t even know you and just recently started following your amazing blog and this seriously made ME get teary eyed. I hate that our kids grow up, my baby is 7 and it really feels like yesterday we were celebrating his 2 year old birthday! Enjoy her!
welp, that made me cry. Like others have said, it’s been so fun to watch E grow from a tiny infant to a spunky little person. thank you for sharing these stories! I hope your family has a wonderful little celebration <3
happy birthday cutie!
i am in love with your family.
is there a way to sign up for email newsletters?
so sweet!
Happy Happy Birthday, Eleanor!!
Beautiful. Thank you for your openness and sharing sweet moments.
Tell Eleanor Happy Birthday from me!I just turned 17 today too, so today is a very special day.
I absolutely adore your family, I hope someday I can be as happy as you all.
God Bless!
xoxo
Meg
Oh Taza I completely relate to your place in life. I too am going through the same but only with a 5ft tall almost 10 year old son! Also with an almost 5 year old cutie daughter! Especially since they’re it no more kids for us, boo hooo I cry too!!
Love, Chris
what a sweet girl you have—your moon games with her are so so precious. hope you soaked up every moment of today with her on her 2nd bday!
happy birthday sweet eleanor! i can tell that you are so loved.
This post was super sweet, and sounded like it came from a super good mama! She seems like a wonderful little girl. Happy birthday to Eleanor!
Happy birthday to the most beautiful, little lady. It’s been a pleasure watching her grow up and seeing your family’s journey throughout the years. May you have many more spectacular birthdays to come, Taza.
I have been reading your blog for years and it’s been a privilege to have a little peek into your journey to and through motherhood.
happy birthday to the cutest little girl, Eleanor Davis.
<3
zealouslyzika.com
Happy birthday to Eleanor!
My daughter, Aria (http://chocolate-coveredlove.blogspot.com/2013/01/behind.html), is about to turn 2 as well on February 7th. Whenever I go on this blog and see your pictures of Eleanor I’m always reminded of my daughter. They look so similar and are so close in age, I always wonder if they would be friends if we lived nearby. Have a wonderful day!
Your kids are going to love being able to read these someday. Happy birthday beautiful Eleanor! May all your wishes come true…
Happy birthday to little E! xo
http://www.jenventure.blogspot.co.uk
Happy birthday!!
Happy birthday sweet Eleanor. You sure are loved by your mama.
oh naomi, you made me cry. i’m sure it must seem overwhelming having your baby girl turn two. you are creating such wonderful memories with her, memories that will stay in your heart forever. she is precious, and you are so very blessed :) happy birthday eleanor!
xo,
kristyn
Beautiful pics! Happy #2 Eleanor :)
http://razzdazzle.blogspot.mx
Happy 2nd Birthday Day little E. You are all very blessed ! Be happy :) xo
Happy birthday little E! This was so beautiful it brought tears to my eyes! We are so fortunate to be able to sit and watch every single moment of these times because they do go by so fast!
Http://lifewithlesdeux.blogspot.com
What precious moments! My little guy will be turning 2 in April, and I agree with you that I will no longer be blinking. The time has flown by. I remember when he was in love with a spoon, and would even have baths with it. He was not happy when we took it away at bedtime. Enjoy capturing the moon!
LC from theworldofellesee
This post is so sweet it brought me to tears. Your little family is too sweet for words. Have birthday little E, you are lucky to have such a wonderful mommy that loves you so unconditionally.
Aww so sweet! Congratulations, love your blog!
xx
Happy late birthday, Eleanor! You bring so much joy to so many people!
I have tears in my eyes! Taza, your writing is beautiful! I can’t believe sweet sweet Eleanor is already two. How time flies! Hope she had a wonderful birthday!
Natalie
rtkce.wordpress.com
Aww, I can totally relate to this post. Time really does fly, doesn’t it? And what a cute Eleanor is! I remember reading one of your posts right after she was born and thinking how excited I was to have a little girl one day. Well, now I have one :) And she’s just a few months older than your little boy. Happy birthday to Eleanor!
This literally made me tear up! I love you guys so much! Happy 2nd birthday to the cutest girl on the planet!
Happy birthday to your lovely baby girl.
I came across your blog via bloglovin and I simply love it.
Very niceeee…
Will follow you right now on bloglovin, would be nice of you do same too :)
http://www.tosynsem.blogspot.com
Wow! As I was reading your post , I found myself crying. No, don’t feel bad. Those were tears of joy because it’s time to celebrate but a little sad that our babies are growing up so fast. I totally get every word you said and every feeling and emotion you were describing as I am about to go through what you just went through. In 2 months, my lil munchkin, Yasmin (Yassy is what we call her) is turning 2 and already I am feeling so emotional just thinking about it. Thank you for sharing your beautiful post. It just made me want to make her day even more special! :)
Happy birthday Eleanor! xx
what you wrote about eleanor was really sweet, i’m sure she’ll look back at this one day, and admire just how great of a mother you are. i followed your blog a few months after eleanor was born, and its amazing to see how much eleanor has grown. i hope she had a lovely birthday :)
I’ve been reading your blog for months. You have the most incredible little family,this actually made me tear up a little! I hope in the future I can be as brilliant a mummy as you are to your lovely littles! Happy Birthday Eleanor! xx
If God grant me to have a child i will pray so much that i have one like E and raise a good family like yours! truly inspiring! big love for taza :D
happy birthday, beautiful girl! may God bless you and your family always and keep you all safe, happy and healthy. we wish you to have fun and joyful “Threes” and for mama and papa – tamtrumless year :)! ( not to imply that E has been difficult, but i think that “terrible twos” are overestimated and THREES are the ones to be on guard for :) ) .
happy birthday, sweet little Eleanor! your life brings light to many :)
love, olya and the crew
http://www.livingnotesfromnyc.com
I’m on the opposite end of where you are. My baby girl is going to be 26 this year :(
You and your sweet man are doing an awesome job of raising your children and you can look back and know that you appreciated every second.
Eleanor- Happy, Happy Birthday!
Happy birthday to your darling daughter. It is true what they say…they grow up way too fast like a blink of an eye. Sometimes I wish time would stop just for a while so that we can enjoy their tender toddlers years a little bit longer.
My oldest is graduating from high school this year, and my youngest just turned three! I still remember her being two as if it was yesterday, and Noah is growing up way too fast!
Time does fly so enjoy those moments with your children! I know I am!
**Happy Birthday Eleanor**!
May it be the best two years you’ve had with many more to come! xo
BonNANAniversaire the baby love!!!
Margo has three years old now…..de february one…too***
Your little Eleanor is adorable and quite the character!! Ours is already 4 1/2… So true that time flies!
Hope that sweet little girl had the best birthday ever! She has such a personality…I just love it!
xoxo
It has been a joy to follow your blog and share a small piece of your life. Happy Birthday to sweet Eleanor!
Really lovely!
Oh you make me cry,,,,
One month ago Zoe-Sophie turs 2, too.
I know how you feel….
They are growing sooooo fast…
WOWWW
HAPPY BIRTHDAY little girl.
All the best!
One of the sweetest things I have ever read. Happy birthday beautiful girl x
what a beautiful post!
people weren’t lying when they told me it goes SO FAST. my little girl is 9 months now and i am trying to document once a month on my blog the little quirky things she does to try to savour them and remember them, so i particularly enjoyed hearing what eleanor has been up to. hunting for the moon is just too adorable!
Pingback: Manic Monday | Erin May Davis
She looks so adorable in those sunglasses, happy birthday to your little darling :)
http://www.vindiebaby.com
Vintage Inspired Fashion by Independent Designers for Your Little darling
Oh so very beautiful!!!! Happy Birthday Eleanor!!
Eleanor sure is a cutie. Happy Birthday, sweet little girl.
happy birthday Eleanor,,sweet girl..love u :)
Your baby girl is beautiful and smart by the sounds of it. Its so sad that they grow up so fast.
Get the perfect silhouette with stylish shapewear www.vedettestore.com
happy belated birthday to your sweet little darling eleanor. sending her many virtual hugs, kissies and special wishes. God bless you each and your loving home.
best always,
liz
I just found your blog, and it’s lovely! My daughter Ingrid will be two in April and I’m saddened by the idea. She also LOVES the moon and will announce that it’s “too cloudy!” when she can’t find it in the night sky.
So happy I stumbled upon your blog today!
This was such a beautiful post :-).
Happy Belated Eleanor!
This is such a sweet post!! Just wait till she turns 13, though, that will really be a crusher. (I learned so last July.) The bit about her carrying the bulb syringe and singing into it like a microphone made me laugh out loud. Wonderful stuff!
Very happy birthday Eleanor! I just loved reading about her little moon games. When my brother was wee, one of his favourite books was called “Owl at Home.” At one point, the feathered protagonist becomes totally convinced that the moon is following him. It’s terribly charming.
This post made me cry. So sweet.
Happy belated birthday Eleanor! What a beautiful post, she seems like such a sweetheart!
Your children sound genuinely precious! My hubby and are still students, so we have a while before we start a family. But your photos/videos/honest account of parenthood make me want to start sooner!
Sheree
The Hartungs Blog
thehartungs.blogspot.ca