5Allenzplus: Miss P celebrates Two!

Dear Penelope,

It was a cold, snowy day two years ago when you were born, so today when we woke to snow and super cold, it somehow made it perfect. Except for the weather keeping several from being able to make it to your party.

Last year, you were so sick on your birthday. Your mommy had pneumonia and generally everybody had some sort of crud. So, we definitely prefer the snow over sickness.

First snow of January 2017

You are a tiny but mighty little princess. One of my new favorite things is your little Pebble's hair. Your Daddy hates it, but he has lost the battle to cuteness.

Princess Penelope

In many ways you're a typical two year old. You are starting to show some sass and make your opinions known. Still tiny but definitely moving from baby to toddler.

Already, we can see that you are your own special person. Here are a few of our favorite things that make you- you!

Your have the cutest voice. We enjoy hearing you say Daddy- it first came out sounding something like D-a-d-l-e-d-y.

When you want our attention you yell "hey, hey" and then when you get it, you get your face close to ours and whisper. We still can't understand most of what you say but it's clear that you like a lot of L's and oh.my.word it is so stinking sweet.

You might be the youngest Foodie ever. "Eat, eat" is one of your favorite phrases and one of your favorite things to do. It doesn't matter when you were last fed your stomach resets to empty as soon as you walk in my door. You like most anything but some of your favorites are:

tomatoes
chips
eggs
grilled cheese
salad (go figure)
the pureed fruit pouches
anything on my plate
and any Little Debbie cake you can find in Grammie & Pappy's pantry

Got food?

You are such a happy toddler- even when you're under the weather, you usually smile through it. It's a joy to watch you nurture and care for your own little baby.

No means yes. At least when you are answering questions. And the way you say "I don't know" is so cute I might ask you off the wall questions just to hear you say that.

We bought you a potty a few months ago when you went through an early potty training phase. I pee was announced each time you trotted to the bathroom and pulled off your own diaper. Your timing and judgement was a bit lacking so we were relieved when you settled back into diapers for a bit. With that said, you still like to announce "I pooped" and most of the time you have.

Your uncles think you are amazing. Elijah says you are smart because you are learning to say big words. We all get a kick when you talk about deedle-dees. I imagine one day this tidbit of information will be used to torment you over dinner conversations with your friends.

You've learned to play the game making you a true Allen. What game you ask? The one where we ask "whose girl are you" fully expecting you to answer me like you have been coached a bazillion but instead you offer the name of anyone other than the person asking the question. Most often you say you Mauwm. I guess that's only fair since she has to hear more than she would like about how you look and act just like your Daddy.

Kendall, Emily, Penelope & Shayne

Penelope Ryan Allen, 01.07.17

Penelope Ryan, you light up the room with your sweet disposition. You are starting to smile more often and will even sometimes smile on demand. Your Uncle Isaiah got it right when he said simply, you're just so cute!

You already get embarrassed and crack us up when you go all statue on us- find a spot and stand perfectly still, slightly turn your head to the side, stare at the floor and pretend that we can't see you.

Your Pappy and I hope you never stop crying to stay with us when your Mommy and Daddy say it's time to go.

It's even okay that you have started to call me MeMe and Rex Poppa. We aren't sure if it's because Grammie and Pappy are hard to say or if you just didn't like those names for us and are proving you have a mind of your own. Either way, we promise to always be there for you and answer when and whatever you call us!

Me, Penelope and Rex
Can't get enough of her kisses

Rest up sweet girl, there is so much ahead for you. And when you're ready remember...

The Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in your with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.

-Zephaniah 3:17

Happy Second Birthday Penelope, we couldn't love you any more!