Dear Emmie

Dear Emmie,

It's been a while since I've written to you. You're growing so quickly, it's hard for me to even remember the last time I stopped and appreciated all the little things you do.

Your attitude is very much on par for a classic two year old. Some days you are sweet as punch, and other days, you scream to the point of hyperventilation because I threw away an old piece of floss. Yup, basic toddler.

You've picked up quite a few cute sayings lately. You've grasped that "excuse me" isn't just for passing gas. You constantly say, "excuse me, Ollie" "excuse me, Mom" as you push us out of the way. It's so hilariously cute since you've managed to be so extremely polite and rude all at the same time.

And speaking of being polite you've also started to go overboard on the apologizing. I am constantly hearing, "sorry Mom!" "sorry Ollie!" "Ooooh sorry Daddy!" for things that don't even warrant an apology. Although, maybe they do in your toddler mind.

You've become quite the helper. Just the other day in the self check out lane, you handed each grocery item to me so I could scan it, and you know what? It was actually helpful! Also, it was pretty hilarious when you started panicking calling me, "Hewwwwp Mommy! Hewwwwp!" and I turned around to find you trying to haul the full gallon of milk over the side. Yeah, you're still freakishly strong - that hasn't changed.

What has changed is your ability to say,"NO!" Oh. My. Word. You say "no" constantly. Some days you drive me absolutely bonkers. I swear there was one day where you said absolutely nothing but "No." It makes for extremely long days and definitely tests my patience.

You've been doing a really great job at the gym lately. In fact, the other day while tucking you into bed, I asked you what your favorite part of the day was. You responded with "Mommy workout. Emmie plaayyy!" I responded aghast, "Your favorite part of the day was playing at the gym while I worked out??" "Mmmhm." Confirmed. I think teaching you a little song has really helped you get over your fear of me leaving you. You now sing "Emmie play's and Mommy comes back" all the time. You still feel a little anxious every time we arrive and you give me an extra tight snuggle, but we've surpassed the super clingy and crying phase.

Let's see what else can I tell you about yourself. Oh,how could I forget, you love to swim. I mean, you're wild for it. You love being in the ocean with Daddy. You also love the wave-less pond. You love being in the water so much that no matter how cold, how much you're shivering or how blue your lips are you do not want to leave. You just can't get enough. You really like it when Oliver can come swimming with us. You are always quick to help find a stick to toss to Oliver.

All in all, you are such a sweet girl, always one to offer a hug. Still a little shy around groups but you're really finding your own personality. You're pretty silly and you love  to goof it up for your grandparents.