Reflections on a second birthday

Tomorrow, my baby is turning two. Tonight, as I rocked her and sang to her before she went to bed, I couldn't help holding her a little tighter, as if I could keep her from moving on into her third year. Like all mothers, I look at her and wonder where the time has gone, where my chubby little infant went. It's such a cliche, so I truly try to avoid saying it, but I suddenly can't help myself...how is this possible?

The truth is, that infant has evolved into an extraordinary little individual, with a fun personality that shows itself more and more each day. Already, she is my little buddy, someone I prefer to spend my time with over everyone else. Though difficult years are ahead, I look forward to what the future will bring in terms of development and growth for her.

What was my life like before she arrived two years ago? I don't remember. The truth is, Emma rescued me from, as the "Steel Magnolias" line goes, "a lifetime of nothing special." Emma made my life complete like nobody ever has before. Her birthday is a birthday of sorts for me, too. It's the day she came into my life, and the day I came alive.

Happy birthday, Emma! Mama loves you!