Happy 2nd Birthday to You

Happy birthday to youuuuuu,

happy birthday, little lovebug,

Birthday girl

happy birthday to you!

Yesterday, Livi asked if she could go back in my belly. I tried to explain to her that besides the whole size thing, being in my belly was how she first started to grow until she was ready to be out in the world. I told her that she used to be with me all the time, and that she even taught Zumba classes with me! She seemed to like that answer.

After we had our belly talk, I was thinking about how much I LOVED being pregnant. I was fortunate to have a fun and healthy pregnancy, but I’m glad that I had no idea what to fully expect when she arrived. If that were the case, I don’t think I would have enjoyed it as muchโ€ฆ I’d just be even more anxious to meet the little lady. I knew she would be amazing and I’d love her more than anything, but really had no idea wonderful it would be.

Laughing2

Last year, the theme seemed to be learning how to be a mama. I was trying to figure out the best methods for us in a sea of information that flooded into my brain through constant reading. I felt a lot of pressure to do everything “right” until I realized that there’s no such thing. “Right” looks so different for everyone. When I let go and began to fully trust myself, things because exponentially easier and so much more fun.

This year, the theme was getting to know Livi as her personality continued to become more apparent. I’m so lucky to be able to watch her grow, surrounded by so many people who love her.

Hugging dad

Happy 2, Livi!

No words could explain how happy you make us every day.

Silly

Off to enjoy the day with the birthday girl!

xoxo

Gina

*New fashion post this afternoon, and my review of the Fitbit will be up later today <3

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72 Comments

  1. Ali on January 8, 2014 at 10:41 am

    Happy Birthday Little One ! <3

  2. Sarah M on January 8, 2014 at 10:42 am

    That purple dress is so, so precious. Happy birthday Liv!

  3. Cara on January 8, 2014 at 10:43 am

    Happy birthday sweet girl! Enjoy your day!

  4. Beverly Aragon on January 8, 2014 at 10:45 am

    Feliz Cumpleanos to Miss Olivia! Have fun celebrating ๐Ÿ™‚

  5. Kirsten on January 8, 2014 at 10:47 am

    Happy Birthday to Livi! I hope she has an amazing day.

  6. Natalie P on January 8, 2014 at 10:48 am

    So sweet! Happy Birthday, little one!

  7. Britt on January 8, 2014 at 10:50 am

    That daddy daughter picture is the sweetest thing ever! It almost brings a tear to my eye so I can only imagine what it does for you! My mom said once “I thought I couldn’t love your father any more than I already did. Then he became a dad!” I can’t believe the little lady is 2! Enjoy your day!

  8. FitBritt@MyOwnBalance on January 8, 2014 at 10:55 am

    So adorable! Happy Birthday to your little lady!

  9. Kaylin on January 8, 2014 at 10:57 am

    Happy Birthday Livi! It’s been so fun to watch her grow here on your blog ๐Ÿ™‚

  10. Christine@ Apple of My Eye on January 8, 2014 at 11:03 am

    Happy birthday, Liv!

    You’re growing up SO fast!

  11. Jackie on January 8, 2014 at 11:04 am

    Happy birthday livi!

  12. JennP on January 8, 2014 at 11:08 am

    Wow, I started reading your blog shortly after you announced your pregnancy. It seems like just yesterday that you were announcing you were having a baby boy – haha! She’s a doll. Happy Birthday, Livi!

  13. Gianna @ Run, Lift, Repeat on January 8, 2014 at 11:09 am

    Happy Birthday to Livi! I cannot believe she is 2 already! It has been a treat to watch her grow up on your blog. A wonderful little lady.

  14. Hillary | Nutrition Nut on the Run on January 8, 2014 at 11:09 am

    Happy Birthday to the little Livi! <3

  15. Liesl @ Fitnessinthekitchen on January 8, 2014 at 11:13 am

    Happy Birthday little Livi!

  16. Brynn on January 8, 2014 at 11:16 am

    Wishing a very happy birthday to your sweet girl. She is such a doll. I hope you enjoy celebrating her and take a moment to credit yourself for creating and raising a beautiful child.

  17. Fit Missy on January 8, 2014 at 11:17 am

    Happy Birthday to the little cutie!

  18. Sara @ LovingOnTheRun on January 8, 2014 at 11:20 am

    I can’t believe she is 2 already! I remember when you were pregnant! HAPPY BIRTHDAY LIVI!!!!

  19. Harsha @ Healthy Cooking 'N' Fitness on January 8, 2014 at 11:24 am

    Happy Birthday to livi.

  20. Gina on January 8, 2014 at 11:25 am

    Happy Birthday to your little girl! That is extra exciting for me because today is My birthday too of course quite a few years older lol

  21. Erica on January 8, 2014 at 11:32 am

    She is so darn cute. You’re a fabulous mama. Enjoy the day with your peanut!!

  22. Karen on January 8, 2014 at 11:43 am

    Happy 2nd Birthday, Livi!!

  23. Jennifer on January 8, 2014 at 11:44 am

    Aw! Enjoy your family’s special day.

  24. Kylie on January 8, 2014 at 11:50 am

    Happy Birthday Livi! Enjoy ๐Ÿ™‚

  25. Debbie on January 8, 2014 at 12:00 pm

    Happy Birthday to Livi! My little girl turns 6 today…the time just flies by…enjoy!
    Oh, and save your $$ they want all the American Girl Dolls starting at age 5! ๐Ÿ™‚

  26. april on January 8, 2014 at 12:02 pm

    happy birthday, livi! i hope she has a wonderful day filled with love, laughter, and green juice ๐Ÿ™‚

  27. Amber on January 8, 2014 at 12:02 pm

    Aw, what a sweet post to commemorate this special day for your lovebug. I hope your day with her is as incredible as the last 2 years combined!

  28. Tory on January 8, 2014 at 12:08 pm

    Happy Birthday, sweet girl! I remember I started reading your blog when you were pregnant with Livi and I was pregnant with my little guy who will turn 2 next month. Where did the time go??

  29. Liz @ Tip Top Shape on January 8, 2014 at 12:14 pm

    I can’t believe she’s already two!! Happy Birthday to your little cutie, and I hope you all have a great time today celebrating ๐Ÿ˜€

  30. Jay on January 8, 2014 at 12:15 pm

    Happy birthday Liv!

  31. Kaila @healthyhelperblog! on January 8, 2014 at 12:20 pm

    Happy Birthday to your little one! I am sure each day with her is just brining more memories and wonderful moments!

  32. Alex @ Kenzie Life on January 8, 2014 at 12:25 pm

    Aww Livi just gets cuter every day! Happy 2nd birthday to her! Hope you all have a great day!

  33. jodie on January 8, 2014 at 12:28 pm

    Aww so sweet she said she wanted to go back in your tummy.

  34. Ashley @ My Food N Fitness Diaries on January 8, 2014 at 12:42 pm

    Such a sweetheart! Can’t believe she’s already TWO! Happy Birthday Livi! Enjoy your day together! xoxo

  35. Jennifer on January 8, 2014 at 12:43 pm

    Happy Birthday Livi! We love watching you grow!

  36. Ali on January 8, 2014 at 12:46 pm

    Happy birthday to your little one!

    I absolutely love your comments about there never being one correct way to parent or raise your children. I don’t have children but all of my close friends do and they are constantly judging each other for every little thing. They’ll say something to me, thinking I’ll judge as a non-parent, and I don’t. It’s ridiculous to! Is the kid safe, happy, and being taken care of? Then, cool! You’re an awesome parent and your kid is going to be awesome no matter if you do things your way or someone else’s way! ๐Ÿ™‚

  37. Livi on January 8, 2014 at 12:50 pm

    happy birthday to little Liv!!!

  38. Jessica on January 8, 2014 at 1:11 pm

    Happy Birthday Livi!

    Gina, you had mentioned the other day about music rights for podcasts. Had to dig out my book from last semester to find the info for you. Broadcast Music, Inc at http://www.bmi.com is the primary resource for rights to music for classes and fitness facilities.

    On the parenting note (I have 3 kids 6-12) the best advice I’ve ever heard is: when you’re having a really bad day and the kids are fighting, whiny, or any other bad behavior remember all the compliments you get from other people about your children. How they behave for others, especially when you’re not there, is how you judge how well mannered they are.

    My kids can have some rough days where I feel like a referee, but when they’re with anybody else I get to hear how great they are to each other. It brings perspective that I must be doing something right.

  39. Tracy on January 8, 2014 at 1:24 pm

    Happy Birthday, Liv!!!!!

    I love the belly question! So cute what goes through little kids’ minds ๐Ÿ™‚

    Enjoy your sweet little love bug. She’s becoming a beautiful little girl! You should be a proud mama!!

  40. Kara on January 8, 2014 at 1:33 pm

    So sweet! Happy Birthday Livi.

    Time goes WAY too fast.

  41. Stephanie on January 8, 2014 at 1:53 pm

    What a beautiful post! Happy birthday to your daughter. This post alone is a wonderful gift to her that she will treasure when she is older.

    I’m sure the pressure to do everything “right” is constant, but the fact that you’ve let go and learned to do what’s right for your family must be such a relief! I hope to be able to do the same some day.

  42. Amber @ Busy, Bold, Blessed on January 8, 2014 at 2:16 pm

    OMG 2 years already? Love that she’s still making the same face ๐Ÿ˜€ Happy Birthday Livi!

  43. Julie on January 8, 2014 at 2:31 pm

    Wow! I can’t believe little Livi is already 2! It seems like yesterday when you were pregnant!

    Happy birthday Livi!

  44. Lisa on January 8, 2014 at 2:33 pm

    Happy Birthday, Livi!!! ๐Ÿ™‚

  45. Brittany (Healthy Slice of Life) on January 8, 2014 at 2:43 pm

    Doesn’t it just keep getting better and better? I’ve LOVED two so far!!

    Happy birthday Livi!

  46. Kate on January 8, 2014 at 2:50 pm

    Happy Birthday Livi! Today is one of my favorite person’s birthdays as well – my mom!

  47. HEABy on January 8, 2014 at 3:03 pm

    Happy Birthday sweet baby girl!!
    PS the “terrible two’s” aren’t very terrible ๐Ÿ™‚

  48. Julie @ Better Life with Burgers on January 8, 2014 at 3:31 pm

    Happy birthday Livi! I started reading your blog when you were just about to pop–it’s been so fun following your journey into motherhood! Now that I’m pregnant, I’m so excited to have your blog as a resource. ๐Ÿ™‚

  49. Kaelene @Unlocking Kiki on January 8, 2014 at 3:32 pm

    Happy Birthday Livi! What a sweet post I know your daughter will love to read when she is older. Enjoy the birthday celebrations:)

  50. Michelle @ A Healthy Mrs on January 8, 2014 at 3:57 pm

    Happy Birthday, little lady! ๐Ÿ™‚

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