Happy Birthday Prayse!

Hi Lovey,

Happy Birthday Big Girl!! You are TWO! Can you believe it? I just had to write you and let you know how much fun you are, how much fun I have. Every. Single. Day. You make me look forward to mornings and waking you up for my snuggles and giggles. You love your Daddy, but you are a bona fide Mama’s Girl! Well, you know, until Aunt Chelsea or Uncle Matt comes around – or Grandma and Grandad… or Abbey (your Aunt Chelsea’s puppy). Abbey trumps us all! But when THEY’RE not around… then you’re all mine. My bestest friend, we’re a good pair you and I.

My mind keeps going back to that night two years ago as I walk myself through the final moments (or the final 19.5 hours) before we officially met. I could never have  dreamed it would be this hard, or this awesome. I had no clue that within .2 seconds of being wiped off a bit and given to me that you would rock my world as much as you have. You. Are. Awesome.

You talk more everyday, we have actual conversations. It’s hilarious! You make sure that you get your point across. You know those kiddos that when they go to bed if their kids ask a question it doesn’t get answered b/c it’s “nigh night” time and we don’t talk at night night? Yeah, that’s not you. You will ask for 20 minutes if you have to – but as soon as I answer, you’re cool with it and lay down again (and again – and then again – and then again as you ask something more that’s really important, like “nack?”). If there is something to stimulate you – you will be stimulated. You are a people person to a “T” (much like Daddy). I love that you sometimes call Daddy “Monn” (sshhhh – don’t tell him). I love that you are such a lovey – but you don’t take crap from anyone. You’re tough and can take care of yourself – you’ve proved it on many occasions at school.

I still after two years am not 100% comfortable and used to leaving you during the day. I do it because we’re securing a better future for you and I see how you thrive with a social setting (being the social person that you are), but at the end of the day I miss you – I realize how much I miss you and just want to be with you. One of my most favorite parts of the day is that split second when you notice I’ve walked into the room after work. There is such a joy on your face and you break out in a sprint to get to me (I pity the poor children who are sometimes unknowingly in your way!). It’s pure love that only a child could give. It’s an amazing feeling and one I’ll never forget.

I always thought you’d have a little sister (or brother) on the way by now, but we are having so much fun together that I’m just not ready to share myself with anyone but you and Daddy just quite yet. Every day you grow and change, you become just a bit more independent (and vocal about that fact) – but I love it. It is my responsibility to shape and form that independence. I always wonder about what kind of person you will be – I am confident you will treat others with love and kindness and respect. It’s just “in” you – I can tell.

Did you know that I have started praying for your husband? Isn’t that crazy? I think about how much I love you and how I don’t want you to be with anyone who doesn’t love you like I do. I want you to be with a man that loves and respects you. One who treats you like the Princess you are – but who challenges you to grow as a person. Don’t worry, I’m not planning any weddings Every day I tell myself, “I wish I could freeze this day. This day is perfect.” But then the next day I find myself saying the same thing – I’m guessing that it’s just going to get better from here.
I love you.

Mama

(This captures your personality perfectly) -

We had a ton of fun at the zoo. Here’s Miss Ashley and Grandma – good looking gals!

You’ve got this zoo transportation thing all figured out…

No worries Grandad, I have back up.

Look at that! How fun – the perfect view.

All of the “kitties” were sleeping. You kept saying “Wake UP kitty!”

You thought this guy was pretty funny too!

Everything was funny – even lunch at your BBQ on Sunday! I am pretty hilarious

CAKE! Your favorite part. Double fisting!

My favorite – sharing some frosting with Daddy.

One of your favorite presents. Some guy is making a ton of money just for figuring out that little kids like water. More power to him, I love the giggles and fun we have with your new water table.

We had a party for you at school today too. You wouldn’t put on the hat but insisted that I did. Silly girl.

I’ve already said it and I’ll say it again, “I love you.”