To My Sweet Two Year Old

Another year has gone by and I wonder if I'll not feel that it was just yesterday that you were born. Looking back at your newborn photos and videos is a recipe for tears but I can't help myself because I need to always remember that time is fleeting and I need to soak up every second because it's so true when I hear people say the days are long but the years are short.

This has been a year of growth for all of us. We have a year under our belt as Floridians and are finally getting into the swing of our life here. We've spent countless days at Disney and you absolutely LOVE meeting the characters. You cry and throw a fit until it's your turn to meet them...but I do need to mention it's only love for fur characters because the face characters give you a big case of stranger danger. 

You are talking more and more every day. Your favorite words include: momma, daddy, Google, RuPaul, Poppa, yes, no, and saying that you are TWO! You are so agile and as much as I'd love for you to be a prissy ballerina I honestly think you're going to be a stellar athlete.You can shoot baskets, run super fast, climb, jump, and swim like a fish. You seriously have zero fear of the water which dad loves and I have crazy anxiety about. 

You still like MMCH but it's definitely on the back burner compared to your love of Peppa Pig, Word Party, Moana, and still Boss Baby. You love to color and draw on you chalkboard table and easel. You are so incredibly sweet...and far more maternal than I ever was...with your Bitty Baby named Vanjie from the Brankamps and mini Cabbage Patch kid doll from Mim. You are totally your mother's daughter when it comes to your sweet tooth...you beg for popsicles every evening. You could be in the worst mood but the second something is present you smile ear to ear...I'm trying my best to teach you moderation with sweets but am failing miserably. 

You are so sweet 90% of the time but man do you have a raging temper the other 10%...I have no idea where that comes from lol! My favorite part of my day is when I get home from work and you bolt to the door to greet me with the biggest hug, kiss, and pat on the back. Two years ago I was scared and felt so unready for you but that's the great thing about life...it gives you exactly what you need exactly when you need it. Thank you for making me a mom and for teaching every day how to be a better person. I'm so glad you entered my life exactly when I needed you. Happy Birthday Mouse, I love you. 

All photos courtesy of Faison Anne Photography

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Seven Months of Brynn

How in the world are you seven months old already?! I feel like we just came home from the hospital yesterday and now I have to start thinking about planning your first birthday party.

 This month you haven't stopped moving. You're rolling, crawling, and taking steps when you hold our hands. You have a new trick that shows how smart you are but is super scary for me. You, with the encouragement from your daddy, have learned how to roll and slide off of the couch to stand on the floor. It's hilarious and terrifying all at the same time.

 Your new favorite toy is THIS JUMPER. I think we all have as much fun watching you as you do jumping in it. It's made you want to jump all the time. Sometimes we pull it up and swing you in it which you LOVE! I think you like to feel the wind in your hair.

 As far as foods go...your parents finally busted out the BABY BULLET and made you some fresh, homemade foods. Your favorite by far are sweet potatoes and you're a fan of pears, banana, and prunes.

This month brought a visit from your Aunt Kac and your first Valentine's Day. Thank you for being so funny and sweet. We love you so much Mouse!

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Our First Month

I seriously can not believe Brynn made her grand debut a month ago! So much has happened in the past thirty days. The day after we brought her home we were sent back to the hospital for what turned out to be absolutely nothing, Silver lining is we found out that even though she was preterm she is a super strong and healthy little girl. I'll hold onto that rather than hold the memories of what pure hell those few days were. Now on to what we've learned about Brynn in her first month...

She is a great eater and nursing has come naturally to both she and I, so we are very lucky. If I don't start feeding her as soon as she starts rooting, homegirl gets hangryyy! I can't blame her though...we've all been there.

She hates having her diaper changed like screaming bloody murder hates it...but she does love it once she has a clean diaper on. 

The dogs love her. Mainly Mulligan, he's so protective of her and comes running to her as soon as she cries. 

She loves taking walks with daddy.

She's not a huge fan of swaddling but does like to be cuddled and skin to skin is her favorite.

When we've taken her out to dinner and shopping she has done great so hopefully that sticks and she can be my little shopping buddy.

She looks just like I did as a baby and everyone says she's my twin. I agree, but I do think she has Brian's eyes and I feel like they're going to stay blue. 

She was in preemie clothes for the first few weeks, but is finally wearing newborn clothes and is fitting into some 0-3 months items.

She loves her MAM pacifiers and we're calling them her "bunnies" because the first one she ever took has a bunny on it. 

This month has been filled with smiles and tears but has been the best month of our lives. It's truly amazing how much this little girl has changed our world. We have been consumed by love and every time I see Brian look at her I melt. He is such an amazing father and husband. I could not have gotten through pregnancy, labor, or this past month without him. I can't wait to what the future holds for our little family. As for now I'll soak up every cuddle, kiss her tiny face, smell her little head, and enjoy every precious second of being a new mom.

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