2.5 years - Ryleigh Elizabeth

My sweet beautiful girl, it's hard to believe how much you have changed in a year... 

 or even in 6 months...

but you have...

You are growing up so incredibly fast, that it often takes my breath away.  You are currently 30 lbs and 37.5 inches tall.  I love watching you in all of our "daily routines", the way you: run to wash your hands and hear you sing your ABC's as you  are doing so, make sure everyone is holding hands before you say a prayer before we eat, how you have to include every food item on the table in those prayers, restate rules that you have heard 1000s of times before when doing an activity - ex. "no standing in chair - knees or bottom only" "just lips - no biting" (when referring to putting on chapstick) - and the list could go on.

 Most of the time your sweet demeanor is sure to make anyone's bad day better - and on those times when the cliche "terrible twos" make their appearance, you are quick to remember that you need to "hodor (honor) the ord (Lord)" with what you do and say.  Hearing you say "I'm sorry" or "Don't be sad" or "Need to pray" anytime you see someone crying, hurt, or sick is humbling for this sometimes selfish momma of yours.  

Our morning and bedtime routine are still some of my top favorite moments, especially as now you've started "reading" your books back to me and asking me the same questions I ask you about the stories.  Often I am unable to continue singing our songs because your sweet voice singing those adorable melodies has brought me to tears.  Prayers are a must and such a part of who you are that I long for the day when you truly know Him as your Savior - what a beautiful & intimate relationship I pray that you will have with Him.

I love you my sweet girl and I'm so grateful for the love you freely lavish on me...and although you may not fully understand it yet - I'm glad that you say I can be the baby's mommy too!