Dear Stella

20 Months

Dear Stella,

Tomorrow you will be two years old.  I cannot believe it has already been two years since the day you were born.  It’s been a quick two years, and at the same time, it seems like you’ve been in our lives forever.  Every time I look back at pictures or put more clothes away that are too little for you, I am overwhelmed with emotion.  I don’t want you to grow up so quickly, yet each day I get to see a new aspect of your wonderful personality shining through as you grow from my baby to my little girl.

I am so truly blessed to be your mother, and I am equally blessed to be able to spend every single day with you at home.  We have so much fun together playing at home, going to Gymboree, playgroups, play dates, shopping, and just hanging out.   I cannot imagine spending my days any other way.  I am one lucky mommy! 

I love everything about you: that you say, “Bless you,” when you or someone else sneezes; that when you watch shows, you laugh at certain parts; that you try to wear my shoes; that you try to sing along with songs; that you say, “Yup,” instead of yes—guess I’ve passed my Utah roots down to you!  I love that you say please and thank you; that you say, “Want one,” when you want something; that you are so curious and ask, “What’s this?” about a million times a day!  I love that you give me the cheesiest smile when I take your picture; that you will still let me hold you and cuddle you; that you call Daddy Daddy-O; that you want two sippy cups every morning—one with “muck” (milk) and one with “kee-o light” (Crystal Light).  I love how happy you always are, and I love that you make me so happy.

I am so amazed at how quickly you’ve learned new things in the past six months.  You are a little sponge, and you repeat everything I say.  You love the alphabet and know most of your letters.  You can count to ten, and you know all of your colors and most shapes.  I wish I could take credit for teaching you all of these things, but I think I had some help from Sesame Street and your Leap Frog magnets—two of your favorite things.

Other favorites things include Elmo (you are completely obsessed), fishy kite, books, Mickey Mouse music player, iPod, playing Elmo Letters on the iPad with Daddy, Lil’ People Nativity, jewelry and dress up, your little ride on car, your purse, doctor kit, blocks and puzzles.

Your favorite foods are cheese (grated only), applesauce, fruit snacks, edamame, chips, and anything you think is “dip”, Crystal Light, milk, hotdogs, noodles, plums, Mexican food, beans, raisins, and grapes (sometimes).

We love your cuddles, fancy kisses (one on each cheek), butterfly kisses, Eskimo kisses, and puppy (or foofy as you refer to dogs) kisses.  We love your dance moves, your jumps, and your twirls.  We laugh at the way you try to suck your thumb when we’re not watching.  This happens when you touch anything silky—which is why your silky blankets are no longer in your room.  We sometimes catch you playing with the silky tags in your shoes, tags on stuffed animals, or Daddy’s basketball shorts with one hand and sucking your thumb with the other!

Stella, I could go on and on about all of the things I love about you.  Like I said, we love everything about you.  I am so blessed to call you my daughter.  You are my sunshine, my angel, my everything.  I love you so much—more than you will ever comprehend.  Happy Birthday, my Stella Bean!

Love,

Mommy

13 Months

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*All photos by Brittni Schroeder Photography