I am in the same boat as most parents…wondering where the time has gone. How has two years gone by so quickly?!

This past year has been filled with adventures, milestones, firsts, and lasts for you. That simultaneously makes me so very happy and proud, while also making me a little sad. We got to see your first steps and watch your first [horrible] haircut, run your first 5k, go on your first plane ride, start speaking in sentences (and even negotiating with me…like what is that?), and become a big sister.

But we also tucked you into your crib for the last time, as you graduated oh so very early to a big girl bed. We saw your last moments of being an only child before your brother arrived. We packed your last diaper bag since you’re so independent, you now insist on carrying your own “pack pack,” as you call backpacks. We heated up your last bottle. We put on the last outfit you’ll ever NOT fight us on, as evidenced by your birthday party attire from yesterday (stained graphic tee with blue jean shorts when it was 65 degrees outside…).

As you can see from each and every one of these photos, your family loves you dearly. Not only us, but everyone that you meet falls in love with you, your independence, your intelligence, and your empathetic heart.

My hope for you is that as you grow to know the world we live in, you keep that empathetic heart, but also your edge (or your sassiness, as your Lolly and Pop call it). Whatever it is, you’re the perfect balance of sweet and spicy, and the world needs a little more balance these days.

Cheers to two years of your sweet soul, and I can’t wait to continue to witness and support your firsts and your lasts, HRH (initials so appropriate for Her Royal Highness)!

For those of you reading this, you can now enjoy a montage of photos of my daughter, our family, and our adventures (yes, this is quite possibly the most photographed child ever…that’s what happens when you’re a photographer’s kid—sorry not sorry).