Emma Marie.  Two years young.  In those two short years, so much has changed.  I went working a full-time job while balancing home life with a toddler, to being a full-time stay at home mom with a redefined sense of "productive."  You have taught me much in these two years...  You have taught me that smiles are contagious, that it's ok to not have a perfectly clean house, or a million Pinterest projects done.  That sometimes, at the end of the day, it's ok to say that "it's been a good day," if diapers are dry, kids are fed, books are read, and messes are made.  You have taught me that words aren't a universal language, and that little people with not much to say can certainly express their opinions and thoughts.  You have taught me that a little girl, not even a year old, can be just as stubborn as her momma.  And that it just gets stronger as she gets older.  You have taught me that having toenail painting parties is just as much fun (if not more!) when there are teeny-tiny toenails involved.  You have taught me love.

In many ways, it seems like forever ago that you were born.  You have changed so much, WE have changed so much.  In just as many ways, it seems like just yesterday.  I'm not quite sure just how you have become such a sweet little toddler girl, instead of a sweet little baby....  But I do know that I have absolutely LOVED having the opportunity to watch you, to teach you, and to learn with you over these last two years.  It has been an experience that is like no other.  While some days are challenging, I couldn't imagine anything different.  I am so grateful for that.

I love you, my dear.  You have truly made our family "complete," Miss Emma Marie.

Happy Birthday, Love!

((June 9, 2013))

**Big thanks to some of my favorite vendors for helping style my sweet baby:

Carousel Horse rental - Lost and Found vintage rentals ( https://www.facebook.com/lostandfoundvintagerentals?fref=ts )

Pink princess dress and custom hairpiece - Luna Blue's ( https://www.facebook.com/LunaBluesllc?fref=ts //  http://www.lunabluesboutique.com )

Custom Pony t-shirt and tutu skirt - Great Stitch  ( https://www.facebook.com/pages/GreatStitchcom/115477218497692?fref=ts // www.greatstitch.com )