Whew! I now understand why coffee, cold creams and massages exist.
I also continue to be changed by you, each and every day. You allow me to see life, and specifically New York City, through a new lens. We spend our weekends seeking out kid friendly restaurants, running into other daycare parents at our favorite park and listening to so, so much Elmo.
Each morning, you wake up with an enthusiastic scream to join us in the "big bed" (full-size for NYC, perspective people!) - because kicking two sleepy parents in the head at 4 and 5AM is oh so much fun. Then you fall on us with big squishy hugs and slobbery kisses (while asking for a 'nack! nack!) and shimmy off the bed with a "come mommy, come daddy". That's right, you now call us by our formal names - "ma-ma" and "da-da" are becoming fewer and farther between.
You want so bad to be a big kid and sit at the table, and insist upon it before we take our first bite. Clumsily climbing all over of us, usually Daddy.
You love your puppies ("ba-bas") oh so much - and exchange big kisses and squeals each morning and night.
Flowers are just wonderful - and you smell and kiss them each and every second that you get! Which is great, except for that time that you fed Sundae puppy a flower and Mommy and Daddy became zombies from the all-day/all-night sick puppy that ensued.
You now bring home lots of artwork from your little school - and Mommy has a hard time figuring out which gems stay and which gems go.
Every morning Mommy starts your day with an egg breakfast and Daddy ends your day by singing 90's country, pop and alternative as you fall asleep. You love bubble baths, but absolutely hate getting your hair washed. Reading books is one of your all-time favorite activities with us - especially having us read the same books over and over and over again.
Your grandmas, great-grandmas and aunts love the one million photos that Mommy sends their way each week. Your teachers at school have created a love of being a "breakfast helper", "butterfly grower", "city walker" and "yoga extraordinaire"...and we are oh so thankful.
We love how we can hear you running from across the apartment, slapping your little toddler feet against the wood with such power and curiosity. Your expressive face and determined ways make us laugh and equally drive us mad some days. And your rambunctious spirit has given us many scares - as toddler falls, bumps and accidents are new territory for us.
You teach us patience and empathy while fulfilling us with a completeness that we had desired upon your arrival. We are thankful for your sense of urgency that causes us to slow our own lives down and that redirects our own path, goals and defines our sense of happiness.
Little Elle Madison, we love you! A very big milk cheers - in your elmo cup, of course - to one and a half.
XO
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