Big Cousin Jules

I don't know how we did it, but we finally managed to stop gazing lovingly at brand new cousin Helena's pictures today - just long enough to go outside and play a bit.  There has been so much talk about Helena that Julia pointed at every stroller she saw and hopefully proclaimed "Nenena!".

The Park of Oranges

I had the dismal task of going to the dentist while Julia and papà played at the park. They encountered cats, fed pigeons, collected pinecones and flowers and played in the fountains.

Disobedient

Nonno does not accept her cheeky behavior when she sticks out her tongue, and I am sorry to say, this entices her even more.  She considers a reprimand and a disapproving look to be an invitation.  

But then there are those kisses....

And all is forgiven.

Opinions

Aunt Lara will be relieved to know that Julia's clothes still fit when she woke up on the morning of her second birthday.  There is, however, an alarming new trend.  In addition to her "Julia does it" obsession when getting dressed, she is voicing her opinions.  Loudly.  Her insistence this morning resulted in clumping around the streets of Rome in her moon boots.

Birthday Day at Ladybirds

Today we celebrated all January birthdays and Julia was thrilled to find more cakes and presents waiting for her.  I, however, chose to have a panic attack about the candle.

Here, you will notice I am gently guiding her cheek away from the flame to avoid any mishaps...

And here, I have begun to forcibly and rather violently restrain her. Hindsight gives me relief that no video footage exists giving light to my shrill shrieks and screeches. 

Mo Presents

Julia was relieved to find that upon waking from her nap, the party was still going.  Her bros arrived bearing gifts and her Nonna brought out enough plollypops and treats to supply all of Rome. 

Birthday Party

Julia's nonna and nonno held a huge birthday lunch in her honor and all the relatives came to join the festivities.  She arrived wearing her birthday dress, but immediately cast it aside when she opened her first present, and that was successively thrown to the wind when she opened her second and so on. Much of the day was spent running to various mirrors to inspect and admire her new get-ups.  

Happy Birthday Jules

I left Julia to her own devices as she prepared herself for our outing this morning.  I mean, she is two years old today...

Can you spot the areas in which she played a hand?  The solution can be found below.

Alas, nary a boot nor glove landed on the correct side.

And here, she looked just as confused as I did.

Not Exactly the Point...

...but we do the best we can.

Tresses

I know she doesn't need it.  But I just can't bear the thought that she will go into her 2nd birthday thinking that brushes and combs are the domain of her dolls alone.  So, we're practicing.

Possesive

Julia's favorite thing to wear is the Little Mermaid t-shirt her Zia Eva painstakingly hand-painted for her.  The problem, however, is it is getting progressively tighter as the days go on.  I was musing about altering it to fit her dolls, so that we may enjoy it for longer.  I naively set forth the idea by saying, "Julia - let's give this shirt to Baby Gia".  As I began putting it on her doll, I was witness to one of the most fantastic tantrums of her small life.  Hysterical declarations such as "Julia's!" and "Di Julia!" (the Italian version thereof) could be heard for miles.  As she desperately tried yanking it over her head, she got stuck and dissolved into heart-wrenching wails, muffled, from inside the shirt.   Needless to say - she won.  She can wear the shirt to her first day of Kindergarten if she wants...

A Rainy Day Stroll

I must say, this scene elicits chuckles from all who pass

Storytime

When Julia saw her Ladybird playmate reading The Hungry Caterpillar, she settled herself on the floor for a good read.  Ava turned the book around and began a narration that only the two of them could comprehend. 

La Befana

Outside of the "Great Licorice Escape of August 2012", Julia has really never eaten any candy.  I don't say this as a way to toot my own horn.  It simply has never been presented to her and I chose not to complicate my life by being the one to do so.  When January 6th rolled around - the Befana - she received a stocking full of candy as is custom.  And well, "when in Rome", as they say.  It all started with a green plopypop...

Giggly Girls on a Bench