Two years old

Happy, happy birthday to my precious Taylor! Two years ago today, this little peanut graced us with her presence.

And life has been nothing but exceptional ever since. Absolutely extraordinary. And this past month set the fun-meter pretty high.

And while I usually use my monthly milestones post to detail all of the new, exciting and not-so-exciting things that Taylor had amazed us with the previous month, today I am mostly going to reiterate how this little being has changed my entire life. My entire self. And while there are still lots of little glimmers of the person I was before I became a mother, every second of my life is now dedicated to nurturing, protecting, educating, entertaining and trying to understand this adorable, squishy girl whose cheeks beg me to kiss them at least four thousand times a day. How could I not be a better person?

And, yes, of course she tests my patience. And makes me pull my hair out and forces me to mutter, Seriously? on a regular basis. But she is who she is. And, honestly, 90-percent of the attitude she throws me is just sass, which is HILARIOUS.

And the other ten-percent is just good, old fashioned RAGE.

And I know I’m biased, but she’s pretty much the cutest, smartest little kid I know. And fun. I don’t know how many times a day Chris and I will stop what we’re doing, look at the other and say, I mean COME ON! How cute can one person be?

So. Two years of motherhood down, forever to go. Two years of putting someone else’s needs so far in front of my own I can barely see them. Two years of changing diapers and making sure to always carry snacks and a change of clothes everywhere I go. Two years of having my job go from nine-to-five, to wake-up-to-nap to nap-to-bed-time. Two years of having this little piece of heaven look me in the eyes and make me smile every day. Two years of being able to squeeze her thighs and hear her erupt in a laughter that would make even the saddest person chuckle. Two years of being absolutely amazed at the amount of food one tiny being can eat. Two years of her making me a better person. A happier, healthier, more patient person. A Momma. Thank you, peanut. Happy birthday.