Today you are two.

My beautiful girl. How are you two? It seems like yesterday that I was in the hospital to have you, and here you are.....

Today we had a family day - we went to Imagination Station, we went to the park, you took a nap on Daddy's lap, we ate crappy but yummy food, and you got a cookie and a cupcake. Oh, the cupcake! Carrot cake with cream cheese frosting. You took the frosting, squished it in your fist and proceeded to lick it out from between your fingers -gross, but effective! :-)

You told us today that it was windy - another word we didn't know you knew. You told me the other day something was heavy. Daddy and I both wonder where you learn these things. You are trying to learn to jump and keep falling over while you do it. It's hilarious.

This past year, you have learned to walk and run, to say small words and to tell us what you want. You got introduced to time outs, even though you don't get them often. You started daycare and you LOVE going to "school". You love "the kids" and your teachers. You love the idea of dogs, but the actual dogs themselves freak. you. out. You love bubbles. You love to take your dolls for walks down the sidewalk and I'm pretty sure half the neighborhood is in love with you. You take long naps for everyone but me. I choose to take it as a compliment. You still wake up crying every morning. I don't know why. I wonder when you'll outgrow it. It will be bittersweet. You adore Nama and Grampa and love to spend time with them. You miss Aubrey and you guys are becoming good buddies. You're starting to play WITH your friends, instead of beside them. You love to help me clean up and you love sweeping my floor. Remember that in 10 years, okay? You love macaroni and cheese, and lots of other weird food. One of your favorites is sauerkraut. You sometimes walk like a penguin. You love the zoo. You love to swing and call them "whee"'s. You love Dr. Suess and hockey.

You are kind, and funny, and sweet, and curious and smart and creative and a good friend. You make me so incredibly proud.

I love you so much it's hard to explain. I love our days together and I miss you when you're not here. You are truly my favorite person to hang out with. I love that you love me. I love your hugs and "smooches" and your helpful spirit.

You are the best thing that ever happened to me. Your birth was the start of a new life for all of us - better, and richer, and more full. You are loved. So loved.

Happy Birthday, my sweet girl. So glad you were born.

Love always,
Mama