Dear Bree,
YOU ARE TWO!!! It's been 2 wonderful years since you joined our family. You've evolved from a little pudgy ball of cheeks to a sassy pretty princess!
Here are some of my favorite pictures from your 2nd year of life...
It's been a great year of changes. On your first birthday you weren't even walking. And now you are running step for step with your big brother Wade. You love life and are happy to just be a part of the fun.
YOU ARE FEARLESS. Not recklesss, but utterly fearless. There are no limits to what you will do. Or the crazy faces you will make while doing them...
I just might make a book of your facial expressions. They crack me up. I wish I had enough time to post all the videos I have of your daily shenanigans. I even catch you practicing them in the mirror. The eye rolling is a little scary.
Your happiness is contagious! And your smile warms my heart.
Your "firsts" this year include some big girl primping. You had your first haircut (just to make it one length as it grows in) and your first trip to the nail salon. Lauren treated you to a girls' day for your birthday and we made it complete with matching dresses and lunch. More pictures from that outing to come!
Wade is still your best friend, and I couldn't be happier about the relationship you two have.
You've started to sing with me and I can't wait see if you'll end up a singer. You definitely have the "stage presence". Your favorite songs are
You Are My Sunshine and Veggie Tales'
Ain't Got No Belly Button. But you will hum along to anything.
Our night time routine goes like this....
Bath and "swimming" time with Wade in Mom's big tub. You two splash more water than I ever thought possible and soak everything in sight, but is the highlight of your night. Then you both run naked through the house, essentially air drying, until we wrangle you upstairs for pj's. I usually brush your teeth because you won't let Daddy. Maybe it's because you know he does a really thorough job? Then if there's time, we play in Wade's room for a bit. This usually includes a wrestling match with Daddy or building a fort with blankets. Then we divide and conquer - I take you in your room while the boys stay in Wade's. We read a book or 2. You really like to read books about animals. Cows are your favorite. Elephants too. You also like any book with a flap to lift. You're not too hard to please. Then it's light out, rock while we sing "You are My Sunshine", and then in the crib you go. Sometimes I never hear another peep from you. Sometimes you protest for a minute, but not long. You have baby dolls and lovies and all sorts of things to keep you company.
We've been having a summer of fun. You are a little fish, just like your brother. I always thought Wade was a great swimmer because of the Infant Survival lessons he did as a toddler (
pictures here!) But you're just as good (if not better) than he was, and I didn't do the lessons with you. We did try lessons at Atlanta Swim Academy, but you were moved from every class we tried. You're too advanced and independent in the baby class when I got in with you, but had horrible separation anxiety when I put you in private or group lessons without me. Disaster. BUT it was great because you learned to wear the flotation backpack and can swim independently with it. You can even take 3-4 breaths without it! At the pool, you will jump off the diving board and even go down the slide all by yourself. I''m so proud of you.
Bree, we love you unconditionally and more than you will ever know. Your life is little, but it's busy. In one day, you giggle, whine, draw, stack, babble, play, pout, sleep, sing, run, jump, share, love, laugh, and so much more! We're just happy to be a part of your days :) I'm the luckiest mommy in the world!
Love you sweet girl. Happy 2nd Birthday!
