We ate, we played, we opened gifts. We sang happy birthday and loved up on the precious little princess who deserves the world and more. I love you, Alina! Happy 2nd birthday!

Princess Tiana Party

I was super busy cooking the spread of Cajun fair for Alina’s birthday dinner, so when it came down to getting us both ready, we got the bare minimum. I got some eyeliner and a change of clothes free of food or paint stains, Alina got her princess gown {Daddy D came to the rescue with the cardigan…it was chilly outside!} and a quick comb through her hair. Once Alina’s Auntie came, she put Alina’s hair up in a Princess Tiana look-alike do, complete with adorable ringlets. I can’t believe how much my girl has grown this year.

Here is the birthday girl giving her baby brother a big smooch….she loves him so much and can’t wait till he’s done “cooking”! Alina’s second birthday is extra special in that this will be the last one she has as an only child. Next year she will have her brother to celebrate with!

Alina had plenty of friends at her party and had such a great time with each of them! Alina’s best friend, Baby B, came to the party dressed as Prince Naveen… how adorable is he? I love that little boy!! And I love his parents, too. His Momma didn’t tell me ahead of time that she was dressing him like Prince Naveen, so when they walked in, I just about died! I actually got Baby B the hat for his first birthday, but this whole ensemble is just about the cutest boy outfit ever!

I made everything for Alina’s birthday dinner, most of which I had never made before. I started first thing in the morning, getting the gumbo ready for the crock pot. I was quite pleased with the way it turned out! We served it over white rice. I also made mac n’ cheese, which I actually detest. Yup, I said it. Yuck. BUT, over Thanksgiving, when visiting with Baby B’s family, I tasted the best mac n’ cheese ever. I had my friend call her mom {Baby B’s Grandma} and used her recipe. It didn’t turn out quite like Grandma’s, but my friend said she’d be proud. Good enough My friend Nicole got the Cajun sweet potato fries under way {which we love in this house and make quite often!} and those turned out great. We had salad and cornbread to round it all out, too. There wasn’t much leftover, so I’m thinking the family enjoyed it

Speaking of Nicole, I couldn’t have left that kitchen with my head intact without her! Honestly, planning and cooking and chatting and dancing about the kitchen all morning was the best few hours I had with my BFF during her visit. I love that girl, and hate the distance divides us.

After we stuffed our faces, we moved to the front part of the house to open presents. Alina had put herself in time-out, so I took her upstairs to settle down from all the excitement. She was having a blast, but I could tell my sensitive beauty needed a break from the festivities{why is she sooo like me?}. I explained to her that we would be ripping presents open {she didn’t quite get the concept at Christmas, and kept looking at me like “why are you guys being so destructive?!”} and that she had to say “thank you” to everyone for the gifts. She seemed to understand, and the gifting opening experience went way more smoothly than I anticipated.

Alina was blessed with so much love… and that extended all the way from California! Here is Alina opening a gift from our friends Tim, Niccole, Emma and Skyler. Alina was also spoiled by her Tia and Tio, GG {Great Grandma} and Abuela… all who sent gifts from our home state. What a lucky princess!

Supermom I am not. Alina’s birthday cake was special ordered from our local Smith’s {Kroger brand}. And guess what? It was deeeeelish. Oh ya, I said it. Store bought cake: way better than anything I would have made. It was cute, too!

Alina LOVED when we sang happy birthday to her… smiles, smiles, galore! I can’t tell you how very happy Daddy D and I were with how the whole evening transpired. We love this little girl like crazy and truly enjoyed having our family to celebrate with.

Happy 2nd birthday, Alina!