Happy 2nd Birthday Stephanie!

Dear Stephanie,
Two years ago you came into this world, and just like that I became a Mommy. This is a special bond that you and I will always share. We've spent the past two years learning and growing together, and you are one of my favorite people to spend time with.

How is it possible that in two short years you have gone from this:

to this:

You are a smart, energetic, loving child. You never cease to amaze me with the words you say and the things you know. It only takes one time for you to commit anything to memory. If you listen to a song you like, i'll hear you singing it a few hours later. If we go on an adventure, I can ask you about it days later and you'll give me a full recap of where we went and what we saw. If I tell you we're going to do something, you'll remember and not let me forget!

Your favorite places to go are the library for storytime, the restaurant (where Nana works) for breakfast, Nana's house, and E's house. Your energy can sometimes make storytime a struggle, but i'm slowly teaching you the value of sitting still and listening to the librarian read stories. You are very well behaved at restaurants, and I credit that to the fact that I've been taking you out since you were 3 weeks old.

You love to run, jump, and dance. (Also to watch TV.) We have dance parties on rainy days to burn some of your never-ending energy. You finally enjoy curling up in my lap to read books, and I love introducing you to my favorite children's authors and books. You aren't a huge fan of baby dolls, but you do love to carry around your Sid the Science Kid doll.

You have always been a fantastic eater. Everyone loves to watch you eat because you truly enjoy your food. I have never once had an issue with you being picky. Your favorites are pasta with red sauce, meatloaf, chicken pot-pie, any and all fruit, peas, and goldfish. You don't like apple juice, but devour watered down orange juice.

One of the things that make you such a wonderful little girl is the way you love and protect your baby brother. You love him so much, and ask for him as soon as you wake up in the morning. When he's playing, you'll give him hugs and kisses, or tickle his feet. You ask to hold him, and then tell us you want to have your picture taken with him. We are working on reminding you that you have to share his toys with him. For the past four months, you've pretty much had free reign over his stuff, but now that he's starting to play, you're having some difficulty understanding that he gets a turn with his toys. Your favorite phrase is "he's too little!"  But in general, I adore watching the two of you together, and the smile that lights up both of your faces as you interact.

Every night, our routine includes cuddling in your big-girl bed and talking about our day. You recap all of the adventures we went on, and the fun you had. I love this quiet time, just the two of us. You snuggle under the covers, with Taggie and Pooh, and I savor these quiet, peaceful moments.

Sometimes I look at you, and it's hard to imagine the baby you once were. At other times, I can't understand how you're a walking, talking toddler when it seems like just yesterday the nurses put you on my chest less than a minute after you made your entrance into the world.

I am so proud of you and the way you have grown into a beatiful, happy, polite, and compassionate little girl. I hope you are always surrounded by happiness and love, and that you never forget how special you are to me. I love you a million billion!
Love,
Mommy

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