Happy Birthday, Julianna!

Dear Julianna,

Oh my goodness! You are two! I know I always say that time is going so fast for me but I can't help it! You've gone from a tiny blob to a walking, talking big girl in what seems like a matter of weeks.

As you turn two today I can't help but be overwhelmed with love for you and the little person you have become. I love that you are already your own person. Despite Lily's best efforts to make you a mini-Lily, you are very much just Julianna and not anyone else. I know we're only two years in, but as a younger sister myself, I hope that you continue to explore yourself and express yourself as you...and never try to be just like your sister. I can say from experience that it's better to just be yourself. You are a whole and amazing person all on your own.

At this time you have no time for fancy anything. You are not too much into picking out your own clothes right now but on the days you do pick- it's always you're Jayhawk shirts. There is a lot to love about that, but my favorite part is that given the choice between the Jayhawk cheerleader dress and your Jayhawk t-shirt..it's always the t-shirt.

Something else that comes to mind when thinking of you is your manners. You've got to be the most polite two year old I have ever met. You are full of pleases and thank yous for everyone you meet. Also, for awhile now I have been trying to teach you to say 'no thank you' rather than whining and crying when someone does something you don't want. I am so excited to report that you are now regularly saying 'no thank you' rather than crying and throwing yourself on the floor. I hope these darling manners continue as we move ahead into toddler hood.

I would not say you are a shy person, but you are definitely cautious of new people and situations. However, when you become comfortable, you are friendly and silly. You love to make us laugh. Actually, now that I say all of that, I think cautious is a very good word for you. You are nervous of the toilet, the vacuum and generally anything that is too loud. Cautious is the perfect word to describe you in new and different situations.

One more thing. You love babies. You love to be a mommy and spend hours caring for your baby dolls. You love to carry them, change their diapers, put them to bed, feed them and generally do a great job of being a mommy. I love this about you for a thousand reasons. But, selfishly, what I love most is that it reminds me of myself. What can I say? I love seeing tiny pieces of myself in my children and I love that you love your babies as much as I love mine.

All in all, Daddy and I are extremely lucky to have such a loving, polite, funny and sweet girl to raise. You make us laugh every day and you fill me with pure joy. I love you big girl!

Love,

Mom