Emily Bonnie: 2 Years

Long post ahead, I have so many things I don't want to forget! 

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Dear Emily,

You are two years old today! I can't believe how fast this year went and how much you have changed since your first birthday. 

I'm two!

You became a big sister this year and even though it has taken you awhile to get used to having Gavin around, you show your love for him in some pretty sweet ways.  You love making him laugh, you bring him toys, pat his head, give him kisses (only when asked) and you love helping mommy and daddy get him out of bed.  I know very soon you two will be the best of friends and you'll cause all kinds of trouble for me and daddy.

I can't get over how short her hair is compared to now!

You started going to school a few days a week and you have done great with it.  You have become quite the talker, although you are shy about it sometimes.  You are so smart and all of your teachers at school talk about how impressed they are with how much you know already.  You can name and point out all of the colors and shapes, you know a ton of animals, you can say your ABC's (in your own way), count to ten and sometimes higher and you can repeat just about any word we ask you to. 

You are shy around new people.  If you don't know someone really well you hide behind my legs or pretend they aren't there. It takes you a little bit to warm up to new people and situations and that's ok.  You are an observer and I think that is a great quality to have.  Thankfully you warmed up to your teachers at school very quickly and you love going to see them during the week. 

One of your favorite things is Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and I think that show has taught you a lot!  When you watch it now you answer the questions, it's the cutest thing.  You also love Baby Einstein on the Farm and you dance to all the songs.  You love music and dancing so much!

Being outside is another of your favorite things.  You like to swing, slide and kick your big pink ball around the yard.  You can climb the ladders of your swing set by yourself now! You love going on walks, riding your trike and running around outside with Grandpa and Grandma. 

Every morning when daddy or I come to get you out of your crib we say, "Good morning sweetie, I'm so happy to see you!" and you have started saying "so happy to see you" back to us.  It is the best thing to hear.

Before bed is my favorite time with you.  You ask for your milk and say "read the books!" then we head to your room, sit in your rocker and read all of your favorite books (Goodnight Moon, Fancy Nancy, Goodnight I Love you, Llama Llama Nighty Night). Just recently you have started to "read" the books along with me.  When we are done reading you say "rock-a-bye baby" and we turn out the lights and rock and sing and you play with my hair.  I love these moments so much sweetie.

You are a great eater most days.  You won't eat any noodles though which blows my mind!  I thought all kids liked mac and cheese.  You love just about any kind of fruit, chicken dipped in ranch, veggies, crackers, yogurt, popcorn and pouches.  Daddy and I call you our healthy eater.  You are still drinking your morning and night time milk out of bottles and you will not budge.  We have tried every sippy cup known to man but you just throw them down and refuse to drink.  You do drink your milk after school out of a sippy cup so there is still hope!  You also still take a pacifier to sleep.  I'm not sure when daddy and I will try to take that away from you- I'm in no rush because you are such a good sleeper.  You will probably need braces one day because of it but both mom and dad had braces so you would probably need them anyway!

Another thing I don't want to forget is how much you love repetition.  You will do the same things over and over and it keeps you busy for a long time.  You bring me every single thing out of your play kitchen, tell me what it is and then you put them back one by one.  When I'm in the kitchen cooking you hang out with me and you either take out each piece of Tupperware and then put it back or you go from one cabinet to another putting one of your toys in, taking it out, going to another cabinet, putting it in and taking it out again- chattering the whole time (I usually have no idea what you're saying).  You concentrate so hard when you're doing these things and it's funny to watch.  I always wonder what's going through your little head!

This summer we took our first family vacation to Lake Erie and you are definitely a beach baby! You loved the boats and the water and we can't wait to take you back every summer.

And of course, I have to mention your "Honey Badger" attitude.  You have a stubborn streak little girl, just like your mommy.  There are days I wonder how my parents got through some of my temper tantrums when I'm trying to get through them with you.  But I wouldn't change one thing about you,   because there are just as many smiles and laughs as there are tears and fits.

Oh Emily it has been a wonderful year, there are so many more things I could list.  You are my best girl and I love you so much!  I can't wait to see what your next year will bring and all the new things you will learn and do.

I love you more than words sweet girl,
Mommy