A Letter to My Daughter on Her Second Birthday [PHOTOS]

My daughter, Dolores, turns two years old today; it's a special occasion for both of us, and I want it to be a day she'll always remember...  but I  highly doubt she'll remember anything about today or any day until she's, like, four; so I've got to create something a little more concrete. A toddler's memory is fleeting, but the internet is forever; that's why I decided to write her a letter and share it (along with some fun party pics) here.

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Hello Dolly,

Today's a big day for you. You are now TWO YEARS OLD! I can't believe it. How is it possible? How has it been TWO YEARS since the day I first held you in my arms? You have grown into such a bright, beautiful, curious little girl, and I am so proud to call you my daughter.

We celebrated your birthday all weekend long. We went to GiGi's Saturday morning and took you shopping for presents. We went to Target, and you picked out a pink T-shirt with a purple cat screen printed on the shoulder and a purple paisley tutu to wear to your party. You were so proud of your "kitty cat shirt!"

You're kind of obsessed with cats now, and it's adorable. You want to watch The Aristocats every night. Every present you chose was cat-related: Hello Kitty blankets, stuffed animals, balloons, even party decorations! Daddy took you to Barnes & Noble and you found a Hello Kitty book. We bought you a Hello Kitty coloring set with markers, two Hello Kitty coloring books, and a giant crayon as big as your arm.

In case you can't tell, I love spoiling you. Your party was Sunday afternoon, and our family came to celebrate. Your eyes widened with wonder when you first saw your Hello Kitty balloons; you thought they were magic. We ate cake and opened presents. Everyone loves you so much!

Yesterday PawPaw and Grammy came to our house to visit. We went out for lunch and then walked to Steel City Pops. You had a banana popsicle, and you made me laugh: you refused to hold the popsicle by the stick--you wanted to grab it with your hands.

Today is your actual birthday. You were born on September 2, 2012. I was very sick throughout my pregnancy and was worried you would be sick, too. You were fine. In fact, you were perfect. You weighed five pounds and nine ounces. You were nineteen inches tall, and you were the most beautiful and wonderful thing I had ever seen.

The day you were born was The Happiest Day of My Life. The day I finally met you, finally held you in my arms, finally kissed your sweet round cheeks--that day changed me forever because from that moment on, I was a mother. I was YOUR mother, and I was charged with the task of taking care of the perfect preemie whose hand just barely wrapped around my thumb.

I have done my best, baby. I know I am not perfect, and I never will be--but I do the best I can, because that's what you deserve. The first two years were trying; taking care of a baby is hard work! You're a big girl now, and I promise I will always take care of you, always (even when you're in college and you call me because you failed a midterm or got a flat tire).

Now that you're a big girl, I promise to try even harder. I will do my best to be a good role model for you. I promise to teach you about the world around you and how you can make it a better place. I promise to hold your hand, tuck you in bed, and read you as many books as you'll let me.

I promise to be my best and do my best because I love you so. I love you because you're curious. I love you because you're quirky. I love you because you're sweet and smart; you're kind and funny. I love you because you always make me smile. I love you because you dance to Betty Who songs and only like British cartoons. I love you because you have a dimple in your right cheek that only shows up when you smile.

I love you with all that I am and all that I have. You are my world. Your father and I love you beyond measure, Dodo Bird.

We love you because the day you were born, you made our house a home.

Happy Birthday, Birdie!

Always,
Mom

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