TWO!

My sweet baby girl turned TWO on April 8th (I will always think of her as my baby-girl)!  I can't believe it.  It really feels like last month, when we were celebrating her first birthday!  I wrote this letter to Aislynn, the morning she turned two... sharing it here now:

Dear Aislynn:

You're sleeping right now, and you officially turn 2 at 8:05 am. I will never forget the day you came into my life face-to-face. That day was a surprise. I remember being so happy you were here, but also sad that you were no longer in the secret comfort & protection of my womb. I felt every single movement you made, even when no one else could see you. Gods hand formed you inside of me. Just thinking about that makes me feel so special.

I tried to imagine what loving you would be like, but nothing could prepare me. There is nothing like the love I have for you. It truly grows each day. I have loved every second of being your mom. Nothing could take that away. No tantrum, no poopy diaper, no attitude, no person or thing. I wish my mind was capable of remembering every minute of your life in detail. I wish I could cradle your little 5 pound, 11 oz body again.

My heart smiles everytime I hear you say "hi mommy" and everytime you cry, (even in the midst of a huge fit) I still want to hold you and cuddle you.  Everyday as your mommy is nothing but pure joy and nothing else that consumes my time is as important to me as that role.

My prayer for you is that you will be a bold little soldier for Christ, that you will be compassionate, be a light to others, and to use your amazing gifts to bring glory to God. You are so special... God has big plans for you. I know He will use you for great things. I pray I can lead you towards those goals. Know that I am, and will always be proud of you.

When I watch you sleep, I always see your little newborn face & will never forget 4/8/09. You've changed me forever. I love you Buca girl... Even though you may not understand the depth of my feelings for you now... Just know mama is always with you.

Happy 2nd birthday Aislynn Elizabeth...

Love,

Mommy

I got so busy this year, that I didn't plan anything for Aislynn's birthday.  I knew I was taking the day off, and that it was Spring Break - and that I wanted to do something fun for Aislynn.  So I emailed some friends, inviting them to come hang out & celebrate on Friday - bought some group tickets to the Children's Museum of Atlanta - packed 19 sack lunches... and our plans were set! (Yes, I did say 19 sack lunches).

So me, Michael, Aislynn, and 8 of her friends (and mommies) drove down to "Imagine It" Children's museum.  We got there when it opened (when everything was untouched, in it's place, and organized)... then the chaos began.  The kids had so much fun exploring, playing and learning!  Aislynn's favorite spots were the "moon sand" sand boxes, the "kitchen" with all the play food, and the "watering hole" where she got to fish and stick her hands in the water.  Oh, and I forgot the "painting station" where she got to paint (real paints, real brush) on a glass wall. 

I took a lot of pics (which have not been uploaded yet... more to come).  We took a break at noon to eat lunch (smuggled in some mini-cupcakes... not allowed) and sang happy bday (one of her fave songs is the birthday song)  She was excited that we were singing it to her.

(Aislynn playing and singing the "Elmo's World" theme)

Before we left, we walked over to Centennial Olympic Park to check it out - but quickly left since the birthday girl was totally tired.  And she crashed on the way home.

Saturday  night, we got together at my dad's house with the rest of the family, had burgers, ate homemade banada pudding cake (by mommy) and opened presents.  Aislynn got a SUPER COOL Dora bike from papa Tom & nana Betty and helped daddy put it together. 

Sunday, me and Aislynn went to celebrate another 2-year birthday... Mr. Parker (one of Ais' fab-five buddies).  It was such a cute party, and Aislynn had a blast (pics coming soon). 

Ais on the covered bridge @ the Park where the party was (she wasn't happy here)

I am one beat mama... but a very happy and blessed mama to be able to spend each day with Aislynn as my beautiful daughter!