My baby girl turned 2 on Friday so this post is way overdue, but better late than never…right?

I had a hard time coming to terms with her first birthday because I couldn’t believe that my baby was growing up so fast, but given that I kept telling people she was turning 3…I feel like I’m gaining an extra year. Liv is way beyond her years in so many ways. When she opens her mouth her speech blows everyone away. This girl can talk. She talks on the phone, she talks to her dolls, she talks to her brother, she talks to the random stranger in the grocery store…she talks to anyone and anything that will listen.

She is so inquisitive. Liv has begun the “cycle of why” at a very early age, which is exhausting. She constantly asks me “why,” and when I try to come up with some sort of answer she responds with yet another “why,” and continues the cycle until one of us gives up (it’s usually me…she’s pretty stubborn). The funny thing is that if I try to question her, her answer is always “because.”

She is still an avid reader, but it has been narrowed down to two of her favorites as of late…books from the Fancy Nancy and Angelina Ballerina series. She dances and sings as soon as she hears music. She has her grumpy, toddler-tantrum moments, but her bubbly, easy-going personality usually prevails.

She relished in her 2-day birthday extravaganza. I sang “Happy Birthday” to her throughout the day on Friday and every round came with her ear-to-ear grin, silly giggle and nose-nose kisses that melt my heart. The first thing she said on Saturday morning was, “I want to see my cake,” which made the late night frosting session and aching forearms entirely worth it. She welcomed each of her guests to her party with a hug and sent them home with one too. She loved every single minute of her long awaited and dreamed about “Little Mermaid party.”

When I tucked her in after the party craziness was over, I stroked her face and said, “Happy Birthday, baby…mama loves you very much. I hope your day was as special as you are.” She looked up at me, stroked my arm with her tiny fingers, and said “I love you, Mama.” There is no better sound in the world than hearing the love of your child.

Liv,

You will always be my baby girl, despite your constant efforts to defy me by growing bigger and bigger by the day. When I see the wonder in your deep, brown eyes, I can see your future. You are destined to do great things. You have already brought so much joy and love to everyone you meet. Every breath you take makes me proud. Keep smiling my little sunshine.

All my love,

Mama