Today marks one month until my little girl turns two years old, and it all feels unreal. I'm currently sitting here, writing this, letting tears roll down my face. My sweet Ava bug, how did we get here already? I distinctly remember writing my little one a letter while I was pregnant, and now that I know who my daughter is, it's only appropriate that I write her another one.

Ava bug,

My sweet, brown eyed, curly haired, wild child. I couldn't write this without first telling you how much I love you. I mean, mommy really loves you baby. From the first time I held those sweet hands in mine, to the moments where I watch you jump, run, and play... I have enjoyed each and every moment with you. Yes, even those middle of the night E.R. trips we've made. You snuggle into my chest every time you are sick and all I can think is how I wish I could keep you safe like that for always. Watching you grow has been not only a privilege for me, but an instant wake up call. You came into my life, and you made me new. I hope you know that. Before you, I knew what love from daddy felt like, but I never knew what an untainted, knowingly unbreakable, and completely everlasting love felt like. I'm glad I do now. I'm grateful for you baby girl. We've definitely had our growing pains in these last two years. You became more defiant, and  I had to work on my patience with that ... overall, I don't think we are doing too shabby. You look both ways before crossing the street now, and I try not to grip your had too tight when we are out exploring. Letting go of that little hand is much more than letting you explore. It's an indication that you are growing, and I'm literally letting you out of my grasp. I know, I know... we aren't fully there yet. Mama is just dramatic (another lovely trait you got from me). You got daddy's courage and his fearless demeanor. You are not afraid of anything. Heights, worms, (newly) wet grass.. You name it, you do it! I love that about you most. You, my dear are most definitely my free spirit. I sometimes watch you sway in the breeze or the mist from the ocean, and I just fall apart. You are everything baby. You are every good day I have, and I know that seems like a HUGE deal, but you do so by just waking up in the  morning. When you smile.. don't get me started. That smile of yours could end wars. I've said this before, but only because it's entirely true. Here lately your favorite book has been "I love you more" By Laura Duksta. When I say, I love you more than the highest bird ever flew, you giggle in delight. When I say, I love you more, so much more than you've ever known, you hug and kiss me. Those moments are my favorite. I hope you stay this sweet forever. I keep thinking about how "perfect" I'm trying to be for you, and even though I'll always come up short on that, it makes me smile knowing that one day you will see how hard daddy and I worked to be the best for YOU. You are already so appreciative, and It warms my heart to see that at such an early age Ava bug. Please baby girl, always be grateful. Always be compassionate. Never feel entitled, and always give more than you take. I already see all of those things in the making with you. I couldn't be more proud to call you my child. My little game changer.

Xo, Mama Bear

Ava bug at just four days old. 

Photo Cred: VSP

♥- Leilani

My brown eyed girl

Things have been completely crazy this past week with moving, school, and being without actual internet for the next four days (while in the final week of my current courses)! Even with all the craziness, I couldn't NOT write up a short little update on my 20 month old toddler. Yes, Ava bug is 20 months old today... I can't believe it. Seriously, In the blink of an eye you guys, it happened so fast.  I've been reminiscing on the infant days a lot more lately. I often look at her in amazement wondering where my itty bitty baby went, and when this vibrant, energetic, spunky little girl showed up. We are at the point in toddlerhood where we notice that Ava learns something new each day. She's becoming more outgoing, she's more daring, and she's become quite extensive about the things she likes/dislikes. Ava can walk up and down the stairs completely unassisted now (still scary for mom) but it's awesome to see. She holds on to the rails herself, she even knows how to unlock the gates (some adults that visit have a hard time with this), you can imagine our shock.

She loves to color, play make believe, and help in the kitchen. She's extremely sensitive to anything negative.. more specifically, the word "no" from mom or dad. She's become attached to daddy even more so these past few weeks and calls him dad or daddy now. She's extremely polite and waves and shakes the hands of complete strangers, if I'm okay with it. She's also started giving her daddy "knuckles" after a triumph of some sort.. like catching fish while taking her bath at night. She's a great whisker in the kitchen and she absolutely loves breakfast foods. We've been introducing new foods and meats into her world like crazy lately, and I love that she's willing to try anything once if she sees that we are willing too. Justin's biggest notice in our girl this month would be the biggest surge of independence that happened. She's even more okay with playing by herself and entertaining herself. She's also extremely persistent. Whenever she wants something she points until you acknowledge or pulls you over to what she wants you to do. That is actually become really cute. She's very strong willed and very observant.

I could go on and on, but the vast change has occurred with her communication. Her ability to understand more and her ability to have her own thoughts recognized by those around her. The mind of a toddler in an interesting one, and I'm so happy that I've documented all of her happenings each month. Some of the new things we've used with Ava bug this past month (with Christmas toys inspired), would be her easel, play kitchen, and toddler "ipad" basically, anything learning. We continue to work on shapes, colors, numbers, letters, writing her name, etc. We incorporate learning games in the tub, during play time, on the go, and even while we are making meals. I've really tried to take advantage of every opportunity I can to assist in our sweet girl's learning process.

I thought this would be shorter, but it's looking pretty lengthy, so this is where I leave you all. Ava is doing fantastic and we couldn't be more proud of her. She's closer to two years old and I'm still having trouble processing that notion. For those of my readers with kiddos, please remember to cherish and savor these moments with your small ones. I can't tell you how much of a difference it makes for me to go back and relive some of the special times I've had with my bug. It tickles me to think that one day my child with be reading this. I hope she loves it.

Happy Saturday all, and happy 20 months to my perfect little human!

♥- Leilani