I'm sorry... But WHERE IN THE WORLD HAS THE TIME GONE?! And what has happened to my baby?! She is non existent, and in her place stands this curly headed, loud, rambunctious, opinionated, stubborn, energetic, smiley, dancey, happy two year old, who is giving her father and I a run for our money. 

This time last year we were out and about adventuring and enjoying and discovering what San Antonio, Texas had to offer a brand new one year old and her parents. We started off with Pre-Birthday pancakes at IHOP on the 15th, as is tradition. And then spent the morning of her birthday meandering around town, and having fun celebrating all that we had accomplished as parents in a year. The day started off with banana, blueberry pancakes... Then it was off to get a Birthday JAMBA!

After the birthday Jamba, we hit up Party Depot for a birthday balloon, and Target for a small birthday toy. We didn't want to go TO over board as we were celebrating her birthday with a huge bash when we got back home to Oregon... But we couldn't do NOTHING!

The day ended with Birthday homemade Macaroni and Cheese, and cupcakes courtesy of the birthday care package Gramma and Grampa sent from Oregon. 

The night ended with a late night birthday swim in the pool, because my child is a water baby through and through. And as soon as her little one year old baby head hit that pillow... It was LIGHT'S OUT! 

And now... Here we are. Another year later, and I again, am at a loss for words. In the last year or so it has been an immense joy and blessing to watch her grow, and learn, to stumble and struggle, to fail and succeed at life and tasks. I have NO idea where I would be without her. She has taught me so much about life, about the person I am, the person I want to be, and LOVE. I thought I knew what love was, until I saw her. I thought I knew what love was, until I watched her father fall in love with her. I thought I knew what love was, but every day.... EVERY day, I learn so much more about what love is, and what love can be. It is intense, and painful, joyous, and strong, it can bring me to tears, and make me want to rip my hair out. Every morning I wake up excited, scared, nervous, tired, and blessed to be able to watch my heart walking around outside of my body. That is the best way I can explain it. She is such a blessing to mine and Daniel's life, and there is nothing more romantic or sexier than watching him be a father. Seriously. (I did not know what loving him was until he became a father...) 

I look forward to this next year. We have set two goals in our household... 1. Try and limit our use of the word "No" and 2. Refer to them as the "blessed and beautiful twos". Yes I know the next two years are notorious for being challenging, trying, chaotic, and crazy... But honestly? When isn't life challenging, trying, chaotic and crazy? The joy is finding the beauty, and blessings hidden within the good AND the bad. Cheers to you Ruby Joan for making me a better woman. Cheers to you for being the best thing your father and I ever did. Cheers to you for turning two. Happy Birthday Sweet Baby Angel Girl!