I'm going to take advantage to saying your 24 months, because I'm pretty sure two years old is where we stop saying your age by how many months you are. You are now, officially, "a two year old." I have to almost say it out loud to even believe. A two year old. There's just no way. I remember August 24, 2009 as if it were yesterday. I remember it so vividly, being drugged up and all. You were too precious of a gift and so much a miracle to me, to not remember anything about that special day. Now, you're such a big girl.
That sweet little pink teddy bear Jeannie and Larry bought you the day you were born. It used to tower over you. Now, you hold it effortlessly. I can't believe you are as big as you are. Such a little lady, now.
Oh, but you are active! Very, very active. You have your own agenda, your own schedule and your own way of doing things. Oh, how I love everything about that. I love how you play, I love how you talk. I even love how you burst into tears when things don't go your way. It's very dramatic, but so you. I can't complain. You've been such an easy baby and toddler all along. I've rarely had a complaint. Sure, you have the occasional fit and you're sometimes too big for your britches, as Papa would say, but I can't complain. You are very easy to reason with and talk to.
This was evident during your two year photo shoot. We had the occasional jumping up and down to get you to smile, but for the most part, you were a trooper. Oh, beautiful the pictures turned out. Of course, how could they not? Look at the subject!
Mommy planned out a Fresh Beat Band birthday party for you. You loved the Fresh Beat Band...right up until a month before your birthday party. You stopped watching EVERYTHING unless it was Cailou. That's ok, the party was still a blast and you loved dressing up like Kiki and wearing "Kiki's guitar" on your shirt.
We found, or should I say, Aunt Jill found this incredible piano wall in Deep Ellum! It was perfect for your birthday pictures. I wanted to capture the musical aspect of your party. Not only that, but you're quite musical yourself. I thought this was so fitting. I love what Jillian Zamora said about you in front of that piano wall..."epic."
It was hot, AB. It really was. We were all out there sweating and putting up with the heat to hopefully capture your two year old self so naturally. You smiled for the most part, but did have your classic pout face on from time to time. I can't blame you. I pouted a little, too.
I don't know what I would have done without your Aunt Jill. She came along to the shoot and was my extra set of hands and eyes. She was wonderful and she adores you, AB. As you do her...and Jonas, of course.
I was so glad that Jillian took pictures of you and I. I will treasure these always. You and I are such buds. We do fun, girly things and I love being around you. Although you are a Daddy's girl most of the time, I think you enjoy my company, as well. You are my precious mini-me and I love you so much.
How fortunate we are to be able to have such wonderful pictures taken of you for your birthday. What a treasure! As are you, my sweet pea!
Your Daddy and I are constantly laughing at you. The things you say never cease to amaze us. We both agree that once you turned two, it was like you allowed yourself to obtain a bigger vocabulary. You all of a sudden started stringing sentences together and saying HILARIOUS things.
Some of our favorite Annabelle sayings:
"My name is Annabelle Aldrich."
"I skeerd of fireworks!"
"It's just me. Don't be skeerd."
"I missed you today."
"I sawy. It accident."
"You ok?"
Something Mommy and Daddy will always laugh at it, is when you learned our names. Before we knew it, you were calling me "Jenfer" and Daddy, "Austin." Priceless.
You are quite the caretaker. You love babies and baby dolls. Whether it's for real or pretend. You love to be a nurturer and take care of the baby. I love watching you play in this way. It's so neat!
You and I had such a fun summer together. We ate a lot of Yogurtville and played in the sprinklers and went to splash parks with friends. This summer was so fun because I felt like you were able to do things you really enjoyed, and I LOVED watching you do them.
We did a lot of learning this summer, too. You blow my mind. You are so smart. You pick up on things so quickly, and grasp these concepts and just run with it! You're brilliant. I am, however, your mother. Every mother thinks that. So, I'll try not to gush (but you just might be the exception).
Oh, how I could stare at you all day. You're beautiful. You have such sweet, soft features and I love your little face. You're a beautiful thing on the inside, too. I can already see your loving and caring heart. You want to help and have friends. You're going to make an awesome big sister one day.
I love your happy faces.
I love your sad faces.
I love your sweet, gentle spirit.
I absolutely love your enthusiasm. It's infectious.
You are magnetic, AB. People love being around you. Even good 'ol Great Gran got a kick out of you when we visited this summer. She thought you were pretty special (and that's saying a lot!).
Thank you for being you. Thank you for being so much fun and so loving. Daddy and I can't get enough of you. We love every single little thing about you. Two years has flown, but only because we're having so much fun! You are the apple of our eyes.
I cherish these times. I know they will creep away before we even know it. I want to soak it all in. I just love you, my sweet girl. I can't tell you enough.
I hope you have a fabulous 2nd birthday. You deserve the world! God smiles down on you and I know He is going to use you for His glory! I love you so much!
Love,
Mommy
