Dear Baby Girl,

Two years ago our family became complete.  Already a wife to a loving husband and mother of one beautiful boy, surrounded by amazing friends and family…I was already blessed.  It wasn’t until you came that I realized that we were not complete.  From the start you were so bright, aware, and happy.   You keep astounding me with how quickly you are to meet your milestones, way too advanced for my liking sometimes.  You are eager to catch up to your big brother that you adore.  One of my greatest joys in life is to see you guys playing together and hearing your laughter echo through the house.  You are my constant companion and my sanity.  In a world surrounded by so many wonderful males, I was so grateful to finally have my own partner in crime. You already love to paint your toes, put on “lipstick” (shhhh…it is really chapstick), and are a connoisseur of shoes.  Don’t mistake you for a damsel in distress though.  You are as strong as you are beautiful.  Strong and wise beyond your years, already showing excellent athletic skills when it comes to soccer and basketball and boy can you command a room.  I call you my sanity saver because you are so easy and helpful while also making me laugh along the way.  When I’m getting us ready to leave, you take the initiative to put your shoes and coat on all by yourself and without being asked. This may seem like a small thing but makes the biggest difference to me during moments of chaos.

Here are some of the many favorite moments from your first two years of life.  So many images are missing but one thing is clear…you are a truly happy person and you are deeply loved by so many.

A few photos from when I was pregnant with you by my extremely talented photographer friend: Claire Hudson.

Your first photo…brand new to the world.

Your brother was so excited to meet you and was super gentle from the start.

It took me awhile to take your birth announcement photos but what we lacked in timing we gained in personality.  Just a few months old and look how you shine.

I took this picture for a image contest…you were originally sleeping but woke up to me standing on a ladder over you and smiled.  This image just makes me so happy.

Every morning, your brother liked to take you out of your sleep sack as well as hold you…sometimes even taking you out of the crib on his own.  He will take good care of you as you grow up.

Your first vacation was to Anna Maria Island, Florida…only a few months old and you were on an airplane.  Your father and I plan to take you on so many trips during your childhood.  We want you to see the world.  (BTW – that is you in the tan baby carrier.)

While in Florida another insanely talented photographer friend, Ginger Unzueta, photographed us as a a family.  I was very eager to have a family photo of us.  As always, so little and still so much personality.

Your Uncle Ry Ry moved to Colorado the summer after you were born.  Thankfully we were blessed with beautiful weather right before he left.  This is my favorite picture of the two of you together.  You can see how much he will miss you.

One of the cutest things you did as a baby was with your lips…to me it shows how focused you can be…and adorable at the same time.

Working from home has its challenges, but being there to see all of your milestones makes every late night of editing or long weekend of shooting worthwhile.

This is you in your Christening gown.  It was actually a baby gap dress from the Just Between Friends Consignment sale.  I tried it on you during the sale and you delighted everyone that walked by…they all agreed this was the dress.

Another milestone…walking.  Your brother was eager to help you navigate the living room.  You were happy to have him as your guide.  

You actually wore multiple costumes on your first Halloween but this was your brother’s costume first and you actually loved wearing it.

Your first Christmas…the tissue paper was the most exciting part for you.

A cell phone capture but something that I want to remember when I am old and gray.  Every time I went to open the back of the car, I was greeted with this wonderful smile.

Your first snowstorm…one of many that winter.

During that very snowy winter, we tried to find other ways to be active in the house.  You and your brother invented this fun activity…

We are fortunate to have very generous neighbors.  This was a donated halloween costume where you just liked to wear the hat.  You were the cutest little lion around.

Your second trip to Florida…so much has changed since your first trip where you barely left the baby carrier.  You are a full fledge walker and talker.  SO much fun.

You and your grandparents…you can clearly see they are wrapped around your finger and love you so.

Another favorite Uncle Picture.  This one was Easter in NY.  You adore your Uncle Kris.

You and your brother do get along well most of the time…though you are not laughing or smiling, you are having fun together here.

You are not stingy with your affection and show us all hugs, kisses and cuddles on a regular basis.  I love these images with your grand mom on a warm summer afternoon in our backyard.

Being that daddy is one of three boys, he was caught off guard with just how much happiness a little girl would bring to our home.  Now he fully gets it and is totally in love.  You impress him daily.

We got a brand new sink last summer, my only regret was not getting it sooner so you could’ve taken more baths as a baby.  I love the light that comes in and the enjoyment you receive from playing in the sink.

Your second birthday party with your grandparents and uncle.  You were thrilled to have all of the attention, presents, and chocolate.  You have loved chocolate since you were in the womb.

Happy 2nd Birthday Sweet Pea.  I love you more than words and pictures can show.  xoxoxo, Mommy