Really? 2 years?

My baby.
My last baby.
This morning, 2 years ago, feels like yesterday.
I couldn't wait to get her OUT.
To meet her.
To touch her.
To look into her eyes.
And it was more exciting than I had even begun to imagine.

Oh Ayla...you were all we didn't know we wanted.
All we didn't know we needed.
All that and more.
You slept for about 6 months. I think you were gearing up for the next 18 months.
Because man, these last months have been doozies!
You have brough spunk and zest into our house like we've never had it before.
You are passionate and smart and beautiful.
You have that sparkle in your eye and an aura of curiosity surrounds you.

You spin and dance and wake up singing.
You say "Why?" more than all the other children on the planet combined.
You are wise beyond your years.
Our third child.
Sometimes when we ask you how old you are, you say, "Eight."
And sometimes I think that's about right.
Never missing a beat and always wanting to be a part of your brother and sisters activities.

You love avacados and black beans.
You beg for "Choppy nilk" nearly everyday. (chocolate milk)
You love dolls and your green blankie.
You can do the most amazing front roll. :)
And coffee. You love coffee. You would sit and drink a cup of coffee with me every morning if I'd let you.
And if it had peppermint mocha creamer in it, you'd drink 2 cups.
You beg me to read books to you all. day. long.
all. day.
You walk with a purpose and love to wear hats.
You never want to wear shoes...unless I don't want you to wear shoes. Then you beg to wear them.
You are the most independent child I have even known.
"Ayla do it."
You speak in third person most of the time.
Oh...and you potty trained yourself completely.

When I ask you to do something you don't really want to do, you usually end up saying, "Ugh...K...BINE." (okay...fine) with a very irritated tone.

You are too much.
I could go on and on.
But I won't.
Just know today and always that we love you.
And we thank GOD for you every single day.
We didn't know.
We didn't know how you would complete our family.
We didn't know how badly we needed you here.
And we can't imagine our family without you in it.
We love you.
We pray your passion and independence will be used for good and for God.
Happy 2 years baby girl.
Happy 2 years.