TWO.

Last week, we celebrated emma's SECOND birthday. can you believe that? i certainly can't. we had a few of her little friends over and had pizza and cake. then we followed that with going to see the movie planes (which was a total disaster). It's taken me several times to sit down and make this post, but i think i've finally gotten it together enough.

Emma,

Two years ago on august 19th i went in for my weekly visit to my doctor. I was 3 days away from being 40 weeks. normally your daddy went with me but for whatever reason, he couldn't make it. so your nana went with me. i was told that i was being sent to triage immediately to be monitored for high blood pressure. i was pretty nervous. around maybe 7 that night they told me they were keeping me over night and i would be induced the next day. in total honesty, i was a complete wreck. i had this plan of how i wanted to get you here. this plan was my security. and i am NOT a planner, which you already know. so...my plan fell apart. i was so worked up they wanted to help me sleep, so they gave me medicine (your yaya and daddy can tell you those stories). the next morning, august 20th, they started induction. i remember pain, i remember fear, but NONE of that, and i really do mean none of it, compares to what i remember about you. you came in a flash. no time at all. the second you took your first breath of fresh air your daddy and i lost it. i have never cried so hard in my life. your sweet cry, your big ol baby self, laid on my chest. my heart grew ten times the size. i've never experienced such immediate love before. you had your daddy wrapped around your chubby little finger all too quickly, and still, not much has changed.
since that first day of your life, you have had everyone you've came in contact with so in love with your joyful spirit. you are silly, and sweet, and all things beautiful. you brighten my day with your sleepy grin every morning. the greatest blessing of my life has been being your mommy. i love you and your exciting love for life unconditionally. and i hope to raise you to know how beautiful and special you truly are. not just to us, but to Christ. you are His. one day you will learn this. i am so thankful to have each day with you, to teach you, and mostly to learn from you. you keep life full of fun and adventure. never stop dancing, singing, or dreaming. i promise to ALWAYS be in your corner. no matter what. i have enjoyed and savored every moment with you. from your first breath to your first step to your first swim lesson i have prayed over you. you have made me a better woman, and i will always be so grateful for you. happy second birthday, emmalynne joy. i love you little bear.