dear ryann

My sweet baby girl,

Today you are two.  You are a funny, caring, opinionated, stubborn, curious, passionate, joyful little toddler.  Every day you make me want to pull my hair out.  On more than one occasion.  And everyday you make me wonder how I got so lucky to have you in my life.

When you squeeze my leg and tell me you love me, oh there is nothing better in the world.  A hug from you can lift my spirits almost instantly.  Honestly, I can't tell you how sweet it is when you are affectionate.

I worry about you daily.  Am I doing the right things with you?  Do I say the right things to you?  Do I push you too hard?  Do I encourage you enough?  Do I tell you I love you enough?  Being a mom is by far the hardest thing I have ever done.  I question almost every move I make.  Second guess it every step of the way.  I never knew being a parent would be so difficult.  But it is equally rewarding.

Every night, when I lay down exhausted, I miss you.  I replay all the cute and funny and smart things you did throughout the day, and I smile.  I love telling Daddy everything you did, silly things you said, crazy details you remember.  You are so entertaining.  Your brain is swelling with knowledge and I am so curious what you will be like when you are older.  I hope you never stop asking questions.  You ask so many, but you are just so interested in everything around you, and you never miss a beat.

Just yesterday I was showing Grammy the dark chocolate peanut butter cups we bought at Trader Joe's.  You were in the living room singing some random made up song to yourself, playing with some toys, I didn't think you were paying attention to us at all.  But as soon I popped the top to the container you came running in to the kitchen, "I want some chocolaty peanut butter treats!"  Grammy and I tried to stuff our snacks into our mouth as fast as possible, but there was no hope.  You were on to us.  I have no idea how you heard us.

Really, you are just so much fun right now.  So challenging, but so much fun.  I wish I could freeze time for a while, and just get to enjoy you at this age.  You make me laugh.  You make me smile.  You bring me so much joy.  I love watching you grow, but I wish you would just slow down.

Seriously.  You're already talking like a teenager sometimes, and giving me sass like it's your job.  I know you'll be there before I know it.  I don't think I can handle that.  Just stay little forever, ok?

Happy second birthday my little princess pie.  I love you to the moon and back.

Embracing the camera and linking up with Emily today!