Happy Birthday my sweet and sassy baby girl. I can hardly believe you are two years old. What fun this past year has been. Watching you grow has been one of the many highlights of this year. It is safe to say you are one smart cookie. Catching onto so many things so quickly. Mimicking and copying all that you see and hear. You’re ever so silly, and at times, a little dramatic—but what girl isn’t? Being your mom has taught me how to love deeper than I could have ever EVER imagined. From the day you were born, I would catch myself staring in awe of your cuteness and really just the fact that I couldn’t believe Daddy and I created something so absolutely perfect.

Now I find myself doing the same thing. Still feeling the same way but now I gaze at you and your beauty. My eyes fill with tears sometimes looking at what a beautiful little girl you are turning into. Your smile (you smile quite often) is magical. It has a hold on me and I swear you can be throwing the biggest tantrum (as kids your age do), my nerves could be completely rattled, patience running thin, and then you smile and give me a hug and a kiss—and I just melt. I’m totally needing to step up my discipline game though, because I think you’re catching onto the fact, I’m wrapped around your little finger.

We have continued to be blessed with our one on one time together. In December, I began working from home 100% of the time. Fortunately, I have a job writing insurance that allows me to work from home and care for you. I feel as if because I’m home with you, our bond has grown that much stronger. So much that, you constantly want to be by my side. It’s actually making a productive workday a little bit harder but I wouldn’t change it for the world.

You are such a cuddle bug. You love to curl up next to me, rest your head on my chest and place your arm across my belly, to sleep or even watch one of your favorite shows or movie. Your favorite things to watch right now are, Beauty and the Beast, Mickey Mouse Club, Trolls, Toy Story, Moana, Frozen, Happy Feet, and The Peanut Movie. It’s adorable to watch you view these shows/movies and almost immerse yourself in it. You laugh and giggle at certain parts, act surprised at others, and are now able to identify sadness. At times your eyes start to water at the sight of seeing someone sad on TV. Just like mama. I can tear up over something beautiful and cry at something sad.

I think you have the most kind heart and soul.

Another thing that reminds me of myself is your eagerness for social interaction. I started noticing this not too long ago—you love the park across from our home, but only if there are other children present. You will run up to any child and without words, indicate you want to play. You’ll giggle and run after them within seconds of seeing them. Some children are nice and want to play, while others don’t. It breaks my heart when they don’t want to play with you. But that’s a early lesson about life and I have to let you experience it.

You also love to wave and say hello to adults (complete strangers). We will be out in public and you’ll wait until someone locks eyes with you. Then you’ll wave and say hello. Most people think it is the cutest thing ever. I’d have to agree. Although, as you start to get older, I’m sure that will make me quite nervous, so I am going to start teaching you all about “stranger danger” because sadly, not everyone in this world is a good person and an innocent child should never have to find that out the hard way.

Lately, we have been taking trips down to the beach. Living in Orange County offers us the opportunity to visit several beaches with only a 20 to 30 minute drive. You absolutely love to run on the sand and think it is hilarious when mommy is holding you and we run away from the crashing waves. I actually caught the very best video of pure happiness and laughter between the two of us this Mother’s Day.

I started an Instagram account for you last year and have been uploading all of your photos in chronological order there. I often find myself scrolling through the account reminiscing about each and every moment. I can seriously recall each photo and each video as if it were yesterday. It’s amazing how much you have grown and changed this past year. The saying “time flies,” could not be more true—especially for a parent watching her child grow.

We have already experienced so many first’s together. One amazing trip we just got back from was Yosemite. It was our first family trip with Gigi, Pa, uncle Jack, and auntie Cole. You began calling her “Cole Baby” by the way. It was Gigi‘s nickname for her as a child and you heard it once and now continue to call her that. It is the cutest thing. And boy oh boy, were you glued to her hip on the trip. You have a special connection with her that is very sweet.

We have so many other trips/little local getaways lined up for this summer. But first, Daddy and I are taking our a solo trip to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico together. This will be the second time away from you since you’ve been born but the longest time away ever! You will be staying with Gigi and Pa for 5 nights. I have only left you alone overnight once since you have been born, so this trip will be especially hard for me. However, it is so important for Daddy and I to make sure our marriage is solid and our love for each other easy for you to witness. You are the center of our whole world and we would never change that, but it is so important for us to remember to make time for each other as well so I know this time away will be amazing for us as a couple. With you being so attached to me at this time, I know it might be confusing and difficult for you. And that’s what breaks my heart. But you will be just fine—that I’m certain of.

We also have a major trip coming up in August. You, Daddy, and myself will be traveling to Medellin, Colombia to visit Abuelita. You will be meeting Daddy’s side of the family for the first time and everyone is anxious for your arrival. I look forward to the memories that will be made there.

Giuliana, I thank God every SINGLE day for choosing me to be your mommy. You have made me a better version of myself and I could never imagine life without you. I hope and pray our bond continues to grow stronger and you and I remain close. I am enjoying every second of every day I have with you and I wish you more happiness, love, adventure, and growth this upcoming year.

I love you through and through, yesterday, today, and tomorrow too! Happy 2nd Birthday my sweet girl.

Xoxo,

Mama