My Birthday Girl: I remember....

"Can you believe it's been two years?" has been the question of the month.

My answer is almost always.  "Why yes I can!"

"But it's gone by so fast." is what they usually say.

And, in a way they are right -- I remember those early moments like it was yesterday. 

I remember getting "the call" that rocked our world.

I remember going to the hospital and laying our eyes upon the most beautiful little miracle with chubby cheeks and tiniest little body.

I remember being wheeled out of the hospital carrying my brand new daughter - just like all the other "real" moms. 

I remember driving home with her only four hours after we found out about her. 

I remember looking at my husband in disbelief and awe and saying, "I can't believe our long and winding journey has finally brought us to our baby."

I remember my husband saying to me, "Nobody's going to believe that WE have a five pound baby."  And then I remember laughing. :)

I remember realizing that our nursery was no longer empty....

....and neither were our hearts.

I remember promising that I wasn't going to wish it all away like many parents do.  You know the comments...

"It'll be so much better when she can eat solid food."

"Oh, I can't wait for her to sit up."

"Once she can crawl, I won't have to hold her all the time."

or "When is she ever going to walk?"

Now, don't get me wrong.  There have been some days that I couldn't wait to be over...

...but I can honestly say that I have really savored my moments these last two years.  Being a stay-at-home-mom has afforded me few breaks, but MANY privileges and joys.  No regrets here.

So maybe for some, these last two years of Gianna's life have flown by.  But for me, they have moved at the most perfect speed....slow enough to document many many ordinary moments - which in fact, have proven to be quite extraordinary. 

So, my sweet TWO YEAR OLD girl, Happy Birthday to you. You are my brightest sunshine, my best entertainment, my sweetest joy and my biggest blessing (along with your Daddy.)  I look forward to what that wonderful world of TWO has in store for us. Mommy loves you big, big, BIG.