A Sweet + Simple Second Birthday

My boys officially turned two last week, and it truly was a sweet second birthday. We didn’t go overboard — we kept it small, simple, and just right for two busy toddlers. The mom in me always wants to do all the things and make everything extra special, but I also recognize… they’re two.

And honestly? It was perfect in its own way.

I tried to prep a few things in advance so it wouldn’t be a mad dash the day before — and I actually succeeded this time! I baked and crumb-coated their cake the week before, froze it, and decorated the day before the party. (Pro tip: freezing cakes is the secret to stress-free birthday prep.)

I may have outdone myself a bit with the cake, but I’ve had this construction site birthday cake idea in my head for months — and I finally made it happen. Fun fact: I went to Baking & Pastry Management school and worked in a busy banquet pastry kitchen a few lifetimes ago. Every once in a while, I get to dust off those skills for something special, like this.

The Theme: Trucks, Dirt, and All Things Construction

This year’s theme was all about trucks — which couldn’t be more fitting for my boys, who are obsessed with anything that drives, digs, or dumps. I kept things easy but fun: a truck-inspired happy birthday banner, orange cones, balloons, and a few toy trucks scattered around the table.

The highlight, though, was definitely the cake. A two-layer vanilla cake with chocolate buttercream, topped with crushed cookie “dirt,” tiny toy trucks, and a little “Two” “dug” in the dirt. It was messy, chocolatey, and absolutely perfect for the theme.

It felt special without being over the top — exactly what I was hoping for.

Letting Go of “Perfect”

Something I reminded myself this year: don’t put so much pressure on making birthdays perfect. Because perfect doesn’t exist — especially with toddlers.

My boys were perfectly happy with their balloons. They carried them around, laughed every time they bumped into the ceiling, and honestly, we could’ve skipped everything else and they’d still have had the best day. It was such a grounding reminder that it’s the little things — balloons, cake crumbs, big smiles — that make these moments magical.

A Little Birthday Tradition

Something new I started this year (and wish I had done from the start) — I wrote each of the boys a birthday letter. I shared what they’re doing now, what makes them unique, and all the little quirks I love about them at this stage.

My hope is to keep adding a new letter every year — so one day they’ll have a stack of memories to look back on.

Two years in, and I’m still in awe of how quickly it’s all going. It’s wild and exhausting and beautiful — and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

Happiest of Birthdays, E&M. Te amo. Te amo. Te amo.