Independent. Unpredictable. Recognizably TWO!

My sweet Elliott Kate, I remember the day you were born so vividly. I can remember your precious face. I remember your daddy and I soaking in the sound of your voice. I can remember holding it all in until I saw your Uncle Ryan as your whole family followed right in to see you just minutes after you entered the world. I remember thanking God over and over for the miracle of life. I remember thinking life doesn't get any better than this. Now, two years later, you bring us even more happiness than you did on that indescribable day.

A couple of weeks ago, a friend of mine reminded me how not long after you were born, I used to wish you were two. I wasn't very good at the baby stage and thought it would be so much fun if you would skip ahead to the grand age of two. Now, that you've reached that milestone, I was absolutely right - You are so much fun, a true joy. We are loving every single minute. But, I was also very wrong in wishing your life away. (Even though, sorry Elle, you weren't the best when it comes to babies.) I cherish every single second of you and vow from this day forward to live in the moment. I am so thankful for you, my precious baby. There are no words to express the overwhelming love I have for you. As I sit here watching you, my eyes no longer dry, I watch you in amazement. I am so lucky.

I am so excited to watch you learn. Each day brings something new. It's incredible! And although, sometimes you're filled with "no" and "stop," I wouldn't change it for the world.

Now PLEASE slow down and stop growing so quickly!

Just a couple of weeks after your second birthday, here are some of my favorite Ellie things:

- You're completely obsessed with Abby Cadabby and Elmo and all things Sesame Street!

-You walk on your toes - always have.

- You are newly into Yo Gabba Gabba! and you do a 'mean' dancy dance!

- You'd much rather jump than walk.

-You LOVE animals, especially your "Ahmi!" (Emmi)

-You associate people together! If you hear Chelsea, you say Unc. If we say Katie, you say Chi, Jordy, Isaak and/or Tony. If you hear Grammie, you say Pop! (Just for the record, three days ago you were talking to Pops on the phone and asked for Grammie. First time! She was SO happy!)

-You can recognize your Gigi and Papa's house from a mile away!

-Your favorite words are "It's stucky." How is everything you touch stuck?

-You love your Beck Beck so much! Your favorite thing is to make her laugh.

-Your favorite foods are "pizzi," "i ceem," apples, and cheese. You eat "snackies" (gummy fruit snacks) like they're going out of style!

-Even though I hate to admit it, you love your bedtime "moonie!" (right now, it's Cinderella)

There's so much about you, Ellie girl, that I absolutely adore. I couldn't imagine life without you. I love you from the bottom of my heart.

newborn!

one year old!

two years old!