Emma Rose: Fancy and Two!

I can't believe our beautiful little girl is two!  

Emma Rose is filled with joy and so much happiness.  We were thrilled to celebrate her birthday, together as a little family of four before her big party day.

Her favorite toy so far has been her play make-up.  Now she can get ready like Mommy in the morning... and in the afternoon... and Gigi can get pretty too!

We threw a Fancy Nancy Tea Party for her, with her cousins, grandparents, aunts & uncles!

The girls (of every age) had a blast!

Haley, Emma Rose, Ansley & Caroline

Avery

Porter

Porter & Holden held down the "man" fort in the back!

So much fancy fun!

We love our little girl and feel so blessed at the bursting energy and personality that she brings to our family.  

Every year, I write the kids a letter on their birthday.  Here is part of that letter, sweet girl:

Dear Emma Rose,

This year has been full of wonder and so much growth for you.  Not only are you talking so clearly -  picking up new phrases by the hour, and playing so well with your big brother (who you call “Poh-duh” with a little bit of a Brooklyn accent), you have had your first styled haircut this year, you have taken trips to Keystone, San Diego and New York, and you went skiing for the first time.  You gave up your pacifier, you moved from a crib to a “big girl” bed, and you met your new baby cousin, Haley. You also started playing soccer (though most of your practices you spend on your knees, meowing like a cat and licking the soccer ball).  You have also developed a love for dressing up in heals and hats, changing Gigi’s diaper, turning anything - from a coke bottle to a phone - into a baby that you can comfort, and singing into microphones, American Idol - style.  And you LOVE to talk on and play with cell phones (your favorite is watching kitten youtube videos).  

In addition to Porter, Mommy and Daddy, of course, your favorite people - the ones you say thank you for every night when you pray, are your cousin, Caroline, followed by Nana Ne, Papa, Grandma and Grandpa. Your favorite thing to watch is Veggie Tales, and yogurt is your favorite food on the planet. Currently, your favorite song to sing is “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star,” your favorite stuffed animal is Gigi the giraffe (though Owl is a close second) and favorite book to read is “Fancy Nancy,” - in fact, your Birthday party this year is a Fancy Nancy tea party!  You love cats, and often when people tell you hi, you meow back.  I have loved watching your exploding personality grow and find its way in the world this past year.  You continue to be so sweet and affectionate, giving kisses and hugs, and sympathetic pats on the back when people are sad.  You often ask, whether you hear me cough or cry, “ ‘Kay, Mommy?”  I am surprised by how much empathy you already express.  I love your strong will.  You definitely know what you want, and I hope and pray that you will always be a strong character....

I pray that this next year is full of love, more wonder, and so much joy for you.  I pray often for you, that you will always know that you are loved by your family, and by your heavenly Father.  I always pray that you will have a relationship with Jesus and follow Him with your whole heart.  Emma Rose, you are so sweet and so beautiful.  You make my life so full.  I love that you still crawl into bed with me and sleep so soundly when your cuddled up next to me.  You really are my sunshine and I love you so much.  Thank you for making my life brighter.