Day Twenty

Today at 1:19 P.M., you turned 2. We told you "happy birthday" as soon as you woke up, but as I went through the day, I was imagining this day two years ago down to the smallest detail with my 2 favorites being:

1. Holding you for the first time 

Has there ever been a more perfect squishy face?

2. Introducing you to your sister.

Never in the history of sisters has there been one who loved hers as much as yours loves you. 

Day 1 and Today

I couldn't wait for you to get home this afternoon because even though your birthday party isn't until next weekend, Nora and I baked you a cake. Nora insisted on purple, obviously, because of how much you love Barney. You were both very excited about the cake, but neither of you ate very much of it, which was probably for the best anyway because it was close to bed time.

We also got you a couple of presents because everyone needs presents on their actual birthday. Daddy picked out 2 earlier today, and Nora wanted to get you something else just from her.

Minnie Mouse and a hand-picked "2" card from big sis

Daniel Tiger toys from Daddy and me

We also did our traditional "chair" pictures like we did each month leading up to your first birthday. At first, you weren't very cooperative...

You eventually sat still long enough for me to get some adorable pictures of you, my adorable little girl.

How precious are you??

All sass!

In shock that you're 2. Me, too!

BOP!

Officially done with the paparazzi

It didn't take long for you to decide that you were OVER having your pictures taken.

You did indulge me a few more when your Daddy sat in your chair because then you wanted to snuggle and read and sing with him. I'm pretty sure he's your favorite most of the time, and I'm mostly ok with it since you do still give me some of the best hugs and kisses any momma could ever hope for.

Here you are with your #1 guy.

You have this sweet man wrapped around your finger. He even sings for you. Sings! This is unheard of in all other situations, but for you, he will do anything-- even sing. <3

I sing for you, too, but it doesn't seem to have quite the same impact as when Daddy does it. Still, I know you love your momma. Here we are having some snuggles shortly before your bedtime.

So, Matilda Ann, all-in-all, it was a good day for you, I think. Watching you grow into a smart, sassy, independent, beautiful, loving, amazing little girl is one of our greatest joys, but it's also bittersweet since, as I've said before, and I know I'll say again, you are our "last baby".

Daddy and I love you to the moon and back, sweet Tilly, and we're so glad you're ours. There are no words that properly capture our unconditional love for you, but we hope you can feel it within the pages of this book.