McKenzie: You're two years old!!

Two-years ago you came screaming into our lives. From the moment we heard those first cries we realized how blessed we were. You have restored our hope, our faith, and taught us more about life than your two-year old brain can even comprehend.

You're feisty, stubborn, and beautiful. You're the reason I wake up every morning. The reason I bring myself into a job that I don't particularly love. You're the reason for every life decision Daddy and I make. Over the last few months you've grown leaps and bounds. Learned more things that my mind can fathom. You're able to sing your ABC's up to G. You often stop at the H to sing, "Happy, Happy, Happy!" You make us, Happy, happy, happy! You're talking a TON. New words come daily now. You're favorite word is Candy. Daddy and I often laugh when you say, Cannny! It's super cute.

You're potty-training and doing better than I could have expected. You're almost completely trained at home and we're working on taking you out without accidents. You love wearing your Elmo panties and one of your first "real" sentences was, "I peeped on Elmo!" Elmo doesn't appreciate you soaking him, but we all found it pretty hysterical.

You've perfected the two-year old temper fit. You know what you want and how it's supposed to happen. If it doesn't, you protest. It often reminds me of something straight out of the exorcist, but we try to remain optimistic that this is your way of spreading your wings. You're probably the most independent child I have ever seen. This is a GOOD trait and I find my self reminding myself that God's grace is sufficient.

You're still OBSESSED with Yo Gabba Gabba. You also LOVE Elmo. You ask for them all the time. You're not particularly impressed with Sesame Street in general, but your eyes LIGHT up when Elmo appears. I'll never understand how this little red creature with a lisp attracts toddlers so much, but he does.

You sing, "Wiggle Wiggle Wiggle and Freeze" about a hundred times a day. There is something about that cast of characters that enthrals you. I have to admit, I find it oddly entertaining.

You're still hanging onto your paci. Despite what the world might say about you being too old for it, we're not ready to let this go quite yet. This is one of those shocker Mom moments for me. I'd never assume that I would have a two-year old with a pacifier. But something about that thing manages to calm you in your fits and helps you peacefully slip into a slumber.

You love it.

I still cannot believe I am here. Two years later. My life has changed SO drastically from where we were before your arrival. I cannot imagine life without your sweet soul in it. For every hard, trying, moment I try to remind myself of that.

I love you. More than I can even wrap my mind around. You test our patience daily, but without that you wouldn't be you. The world is your palette sweet girl. Paint your dreams and never let anyone tell you to change. As adults we often try to adapt to what others find "typical." There is nothing typical about you. You're perfection. You're my Sun on a rainy day. I am blessed to be able to call you my daughter. Happy, Happy, Birthday Sweet Girl.

Love you to the Moon and Back,

Mommy