To my daughter on your 2nd birthday (a few weeks late)

Dear AG,

Last year I was wondering where to begin when writing your first letter. This year, I feel the same. I have so much to say. I don’t know where to start. Do I talk about everything you’re doing or learning?  Do I start with how you make me feel and the joy you bring to my life?  Do I talk about what changes have come this year?  So much happened over the last 365 days. Typing it out, it seems like such a long time. But with you, time flies by. All I want to do is press pause.

It’s hard to believe you have been in my arms for two years now. Being a mom is still surreal to me. There are days I have to pinch myself. Being a mom to YOU is a dream come true. You are such a blessing, I thank God daily for bringing you to me. For trusting me to be your mama.

You’ve grown and changed so much this year. You’re no longer a baby, you’re a big toddler. You have a mind of your own and definitely know what you like and what you don’t. Your dad and I say you have lots of sass. Daddy says you get it from me. Even though I disagree with him, he’s right.  You take after your mama.

This year you’ve learned so much. You’re a talking machine. You can tell me what you want and if I don’t understand what you’re saying, you show me. You love to learn. You read books, love to color (sometimes on the walls,) are a puzzle queen and would paint all day everyday if you could. Your favorite time of the week is toddler time at the library where you sing, dance and play.

 You and I work on your ABC’s and numbers everyday. Hearing you sing them and seeing how much you learn makes my heart swell. I’m so proud of you and love being at home with you everyday to experience all of this with you.

You are such a beautiful girl inside and out. You have the sweetest personality. This year you’ve been a tad more reserved than in the past. It takes you a little while to warm up to someone you’re not familiar with. Once you are comfortable, you turn on the charm. You love to give hugs, blow kisses and talk at the day away. You hold hands with your friends, are so sweet about sharing toys (most of the time) and make sure to say goodbye (which consists of hugs and blowing kisses) to everyone in the room before you leave. You continue to put a smile on the faces of everyone you’re around. Such a light in our lives.

This sweet personality comes through with your baby dolls as well. Your dad and I call you a little mama. You have your baby dolls that you love on all day long. You feed them, rock them while singing rock-a-bye baby, put them to sleep for naps and take them for walks in your stroller.  I hope you’ll have the same love for your little brother, who will be here in 5 weeks. I would be lying if I said I wasn’t worried about how you will adapt to having a little brother. One of the things I’m the most worried about is not giving you my undivided attention. I know in the long run, having a sibling is the best gift I can give you. At the same time, it’s just been you and me day in and out for the past two years. It makes me sad to think that you won’t have all the mommy time you’re used to. I know we will adjust and you will do an amazing job in your new role as big sister.

AG, I love you so much. I never knew a love like this until you were born. It’s a love that can put the biggest smile on my face and make me cry tears of joy at the same time. One that makes everyday a great one, even if there has been challenges. One that continues to grow even though I don’t think my heart could get any bigger. It’s indescribably the best feeling in the world. It’s a feeling I will never take for granted.

 I watch you on the monitor every night after you go to bed, thinking about the funny things you did that day, wanting to sneak in your room, wake you up and bring you in my bed just to get some extra snuggle time with you. Every night I do this. Every. Single. Night. for the past two years.

Everyday I ask you who your best friend is. You answer with “mama.”

I hope that one day when you’re old enough, you will consider me your best friend, just as I consider your nana mine. I hope you know you can come to me with anything and I will be here for you.

To support you, to encourage you, to give you honest advice, to help educate you and to just listen. I will be here for anything and everything you need. You are and will always be my best girl.

Happy second birthday my little love.

I love you to the moon and back.

Love,

Mama