The Sanity Saver

I really think they should rename the ubiquitous Playdate and call them what they are, Mama Sanity Savers (MSSs). Oh sure, they're fun for the kids, but really it's an awesome time for the moms.

We've been on 3, yes three, playdates this week (and yes, it's only Thursday) and all have been great.

Of course CiBaby was so jazzed up after all of the MSSs she didn't take much of a nap, any of the days. She needs to take some cues from her buddies and take 3 hour, post-MSS naps! ha.

Today's the day

Two years ago a woman, we shall most likely never meet, gave birth to our little CiBaby in China. For that I am eternally grateful.

A little over a year ago, in May, we received these pictures...

A year ago today, T-Daddy and I celebrated CiBaby's 1st birthday with Chinese food.

8 1/2 months ago, we arrived in China to finally meet our daughter.

On Sunday we celebrated CiBaby's 2nd birthday with family and friends, and most importantly, CiBaby herself. It was a great party and fun was had by all.

The yard was ready...

The fridge was stocked...

sandwiches - peanut butter, cucumber[1] and caprese
salads - wild rice and soybean[2], chicken, gingered asian[2], and white bean and goat cheese[3]
hummus[3] and pita
veggies and dip[1]
smoked tomato salsa[4] and chips
cupcakes
rhubarb cake*
beverages up the wazoo

The party started calmly with lots of eating, drinking and socializing...

But then came Toddlers Gone Wild...

Wet t-shirt contest

Pool jumping the car

Sandbox sitting

Present unwrapping

Chair climbing

The Iron Chefs

And a little beauty shop, thanks to Big Sister

The aftermath...

Today is a much calmer celebration.

She took an almost 2 hour nap...yippee!!!


Played with a friend...


And we celebrated this evening with G-Mama, G-Papa, Auntie, Horsy, Grams, Big Sister and 3 of her favorite foods...fried rice, potstickers and fruit!

It was a great 2nd birthday.

We love you Sweets.
Mama and Daddy


Side note: CzaMama was trying to be all handy and get together CiBaby's Cozy Coupe car, but with multiple interruptions from said toddler, ended up with "spare" parts...thus needing to order more through Little Tikes. Sadly it is not drivable for her birthday...check back in 5-7 business days.

*G-Mama has made this cake for years and this was the first time I'd ever made it. The cake was such a hit, every morsel was eaten at the party that I made another one on Monday.

1. Martha Stewart

2. Always Superb: Recipes for Every Occasion

3. Nantucket Open-House Cookbook

4. Recipe by CzaMama