1.997 Years Old!

Today is Emily's last day as a 1 year old ... Tomorrow she'll be TWO!!

Dear Emily,

2 years ago Daddy and I grabbed our bags and drove to the hospital, at once excited and nervous about getting the chance to finally meet you after all those months of waiting and wondering what you'd be like. I could never have predicted how fast and how deep I'd fall in love with you, my baby girl. The past 2 years have flown by, and I'm so blessed to have the opportunity to watch you grow, day by day. I'm so proud of you and can't even begin to tell you how much I love you. My only wish is that time could slow down -- you're getting so big, so fast!!!

"I am your biggest fan, I hope you know I am, But do you think you can, Somehow, Slow down...."

Love you always, more than all the stars in the sky!
xo, Mama

P.S. -- I hope you have THE HAPPIEST "birsha" ever tomorrow!!!!  :)

23 Months Old!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

23 Months!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  I have so much to say about this little girl, but for my last monthly photo update {I promised to stop at age 2, gulp!} I'll try to keep it short:

Endless love, energy, curiosity, independence, sleepless nights & smiles!

Emily has just started to speak in "sentences"!  The first of her "full" sentences I took note of on April 19th went something like this: "Fla. Emmy pool, mama fee." {Translation: Emily pulled the flag and Mama fixed it.}

All About Emily:

• 35 inches tall, 31 pounds
• Size 3T in pajamas and bathing suits, Size 18-24 months (but those that do fit won't for long!)/2T in most shirts and pants, Size 6-6.5 shoes, Size 7 diapers (yes, I said 7!)
• Loves: dressing up her Elmo doll, going to the park (running, sliding and swinging FAST), blowing bubbles, drawing with sidewalk chalk, pressing the buttons in the elevators, using my key to open our front door, wearing Mommy's/Daddy's shoes, negotiating to watch Sesame Street ("one Elmo!" with her little index finger pointing up), choosing her clothes and trying to dress herself, watching big kids play and run, sitting on the kitchen floor (especially to eat snacks), standing on her stool to wash her hands in the sink, generally being silly, wearing her sunglasses on her head, sensory play and art projects, and sitting on her Elmo potty.

 

Notice what's in Elmo's mouth!

Watching "big kids" (3-4 years old) play with their dolls -- they didn't want to share and it nearly broke my heart!

• Emily has been practicing sharing and also has recently eaten a bunch of new foods!  I am VERY proud of her!!

Grilled Cheese

Shredded BBQ Chicken

Chicken Sloppy Joe

Easter Dinner -- Turkey, Stuffing, Peas, Mashed Potatoes, Cheese (Unfortunately this didn't go over well)

That's salmon teriyaki with rice, and she ate it!

Beef Stir Fry

• Unsurprisingly, her "very active" personality hasn't slowed at all, and she's pretty brave!  In fact, too brave!  I have mini heart attacks often the park.  Recently, she decided to hop up on the dining room table and stroll to the other side while I popped into her room FOR LITERALLY 30 SECONDS to put a pair of socks away.  This kid!!!

• Firsts:  Emily set the table for Easter and did such a great job.  She also was absolutely adorable to watch, as she was so serious about her task and proud!

LOVE YOU LOTS, MY LITTLE MUNCHKIN!!!! I cannot believe you'll soon be 2!! I can't WAIT to see what wonderful things life has in store for you as you grow, grow, grow!

Wearing her cowgirl hat and "neigh" socks for crazy hat and socks day!