Brylie's 2nd Birthday!!

What a difference 2 years makes!!

      2010                                                          2011                                                    2012

We feel so very lucky to have Brylie in our lives.  She lights up our world and give us such joy.  To celebrate her special day we had birthday breakfast, mommy daughter trip to Starbucks, fun with Mima, swimming, dinner and cake.  It was a wonderful day for our adorable 2 year old daughter.

Brylie's 2nd Birthday Breakfast table.                    Her new bike!!

We were very excited to use her special birthday plate given to her by Granbrad and GranB for her 1st birthday.  It will be such a fun tradition to use year after year.

Taking her bike for the first test drive

  Birthday pancakes with a candle on top.

Blowing out her candle.

What a lucky girl that Daddy goes into work late on her birthdays!! She asked Nick to put on her birthday hat and said "Daddy you look like a princess" She makes us laugh constantly.

 Auntie Ally, Uncle John and cousin Avery were so sweet to send her a scooter for her birthday.  She loves it and was able to get up and going pretty easily.  So funny that my sister and I didn't even talk about our gifts and they ended up being matching.  Great minds think alike.

Taking a little ride in her diaper and birthday hat

Mommy daughter trip to Starbucks

 She got a special treat and was able to get a birthday cake pop for her 2nd birthday.

 Mima came over later for swimming, dinner and cake.

 We made homemade pizza for the birthday girl.  She loved wearing her apron and using her rolling pin to roll out the dough.

 The birthday girl had to take a bite out of the cake the we baked together.  When I asked her what kind of cake she wanted her response with such enthusiasm was "A pink cake... like pinkalicious."

Carefully opening her present from Mima.  Mima has started giving each of her two granddaughters a charm on their birthdays.  So special!

Letter to My 2 Year Old

I sit here in disbelief that my little baby is already 2 years old.  We feel blessed everyday for the joy, love and happiness that she brings into our lives.  Below is my letter to our 2 year old, Brylie on her Birthday.  

Brylie,

My angel daughter it is hard to believe that it has been 2 years since you blessed our lives.  I am continually thankful for the person that you are growing into and the woman that you are shaping me to be.  Thank you for opening my world and giving me a joy beyond my comprehension.  You make your Daddy and I so unbelievably happy and proud.   

Brylie you are a strong willed, smart, clever, and loving little girl. You amaze your Daddy and I daily with what you know and are able to figure out.  Your language has dramatically improved over the last year, and you are quick to let us know what you are wanting.  I love that about you.  Even at the young age of 2 you are clear about your likes and dislikes.  Your daddy and I were surprised when we asked you to clean up your toys and you responded with “Not Yet.”  Although this assertion has come with some challenges with finding ways to redirect you, we are thrilled with your ability to voice your opinions and we can see that this will be one of your great character strengths in the future.  Your witty and hilarious responses, such as “That is a great idea Mommy” bring many smiles.  Your delightful personality and character traits are developing more and more each day.  I hope that as your mother I can nurture and cultivate your strengths and support you with the difficulties you may encounter.

I have enjoyed being able to watch you grow, learn and discover.  Over the last year I have loved being able to introduce you to music classes, gymnastic classes, swim lessons, time in the garden, life with chickens and various story times.  Each experience seems to widen your interests and cultivate a curiosity for life.

It is hard to believe that your next birthday you will have a little baby brother or sister.  I know that you will be a terrific big sister and can’t wait to celebrate many more milestones, birthdays and memories with you in the future.  I love you more than words can express.  Thank you for the ultimate gift of being your mother. 

Love,

Mommy