two.

dear azalea, 

you are two today! that means it's been 730 days since you were placed in my arms for the first time - the most surreal, unforgettable feeling. i can't believe how fast time has flown since that day.

in the last 2 years i've watched you grow from a tiny newborn, to a crawling baby, to a walking/running/chatting toddler. i don't think i'll ever see that much change from you in such a short amount of time for the rest of your life. it's truly been amazing! we survived our first year of toddlerhood together. i'll admit it was't an always easy, but i wouldn't trade it for anything. 

 some days i feel like i'm on top of the world, like i'm doing everything right as your mom, but more often than not, i'm doubting the way i handle things and worry that i am "messing up". it's such an overwhelming job to be a mom and i hope you will always be patient with me. i want nothing more than to mold you into a compassionate, smart, independent girl who respects everyone around her and most importantly herself. this requires me to pay close attention to how i react to situations and treat others because i know you are learning from me. 

i hope you'll always know how much i love you - through my hugs, kisses, smiles, and even saying "no" to you when i need to. it's hard to see you upset when you don't get your way, but i promise you i'm not doing it to be mean. 

azalea, at two you are feisty,  loving, and downright hilarious. you have so much personality for such a little girl and i often wonder how your teen years will go because you are so strong-willed. your dad and i can't get enough of you. you are learning so much about the world these days and it's so fun to see. you are like a little sponge...constantly saying new words and mimicking everything we do.

i'm so excited for what the future holds. you are the best gift i (we) have ever received and we love you more than anything in the world. happy second birthday, my love! 
12 to 24 months

Comments

Kelly B. said…
aww happy birthday azalea! seeing the 12-24 months- she sure has changed a lot! wow!
~Dawn~ said…
Awww *tear Such a sweet post to your little girl. Love the pictures. :)
~Dawn~ said…
And HAPPY BIRTHDAY, AZALEA!! Enjoy being TWO!
Carolyn said…
SUCH A SWEET POST!! :) Happy birthday Azalea!!!
Becky said…
**I will not cry while reading this blog post at work...I will not cry while reading this blog post at work...**
What a wild ride, parenthood. I SO am right there with you with so many of these sentiments. Happy Birthday, sweet Azalea!! And Happy Anniversay of becoming a mom, Melissa! You are a fabulous one!
Bridget said…
Happy Birthday Azalea!!! So precious and love this post!!! Straight from your heart :)
Sarah said…
Happy Birthday Miss Azalea!!
Sarah said…
I must be a major sap because you made me tear up. This is so incredibly sweet. Happy Birthday Azalea! Congrats Mom and Dad for making it this far! What an amazing journey, right?
ajs {of MN} said…
sweet tears of joy!!! what a pretty letter to your baby girl, melissa! happy birthday to azalea, i love that little 12 month photo out in the sunshine on the sidewalk with BRIGHT green grass in the background.
Brittany said…
Happy 2nd birthday to little ms azalea

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