Sigh...

Being a mommy is rough some days. Today Charlotte turned 2 and while I am immensely grateful and delighted that I get to witness this adorable little ball of energy grow and learn and try new things, I am torn with the sad feeling that my "baby" is becoming a "big girl". I have had so many moments this year where I was happy and relieved to be done with a certain stage of childhood and in the same breath sad that we are leaving babyhood behind and moving along. The sadness is eased by the fact that Charlotte is such a fun little girl and every new thing she does is entertaining and exciting to witness. She talks SO MUCH which is fantastic because she is truly funny and also because we are better able to understand what she wants which has cut down on lots of frustration on her part and ours. She is so smart, surprising us frequently with things she can do. She is such a devoted little sister, following Anabelle around and mimicking all that she does and says. She has a sense of humor all of her own and loves to laugh and be silly and make others laugh. She is fiercely determined, independent, and unafraid in a way that makes John and I fearful for her teenage years. Lucky for me she is a cuddle-bug and I can still getaway with rocking her and she loves to be carried around and held, but in the back of my mind I can't help thinking "Better enjoy it while you can- your baby is growing up and fast!" You see now why I am so emotional :) Happy 2nd Birthday Charlotte, we love you so much!