Dear Emmylou,

Happy, happy birthday! Today you are officially two years old and I just can't believe it's already upon us. It's not surprising since you're doing really big-girl things like naming all the letters in the alphabet, counting to five, holding short conversations on the phone, occasionally using your potty and making silly jokes, but it still feels like time has flown by!

Today we had a great day celebrating your birthday. We started by going to lunch at Phil's for some yummy burgers and playtime with Aunt Lizzie, Khanh and Aunt Emmy. Then we went to Zilker Park to ride the train and Em got to come along too! It was packed and it felt like the first day of summer (92 degrees!) but we had a great time. You got to eat a grape snowball to cool down a little while we were waiting for our train to pick us up. We came home right after riding the train so you could take a nap and then after I cooked spaghetti for dinner, you, Daddy and I went to get some frozen yogurt for dessert. The perfect day!

Even though we've had a few rough moments (e.g., like when you drew on the chair yesterday), I couldn't help thinking all day that this is the happiest I've ever been in my life. I think I've told you before that I hadn't ever envisioned myself with a toddler but only a baby when your daddy and I decided to have kids. But now I can't imagine anything more fun or fulfilling than chasing after you and watching you interact with the world! Every day with you brings a genuine smile to my face. You are the best gift I've ever been given and I couldn't feel luckier to be beside you every day.

I love you so, so much, Lou!

Love,
Mommy (what you've started calling me lately!)

At Phil's...





Wearing your Elmo stick-on earrings and ring I gave you...



Eating your snowball with Daddy and Em (with Barton Springs in the background)...



And on the train...





Later with your healthy yogurt treat (covered in sprinkles and gummy bears)...



Daddy tried to steal a kiss...



And you finished it all!