Countdown to 2!

How is it possible that my little munchkin is going to be 2 years old!? I've been completely nostalgic the last few weeks, looking through baby photos and watching videos. Each and every time, I cry. Happy tears... grateful tears... proud tears, that our little girl is a beautiful, happy and healthy, 2 year old. Then there are the few tears of desperation - PLEASE time, please slow down. I really try to enjoy all my time with Madelyn. I always do, but when a milestone like turning 2 roles around, I'm reminded of just how fast time has gone. I've found that last 10 minutes that we have at home each morning, where I feel stressed and rushing around, Madelyn knows just what to do to snap me out of my frantic motions and make me laugh or swoop her up for a kiss.  It's her subtle way of saying "slow down Mommy, take it in." I think the next 6 months will be a very special time for us, as we prepare to welcome our baby in the spring. We'll enjoy the holidays, and all the little moments in between, with a very curious and smart 2 year old knowing that these will be the last holidays and memories, for her as an only child. With how she's been acting recently, doting and caring for her babies, I have no doubt she'll make a wonderful big sister!

So, as we countdown to Madelyn's 2 year birthday, I thought I'd share my top 10 favorite things.  Either favorite specific memories, characteristics of Madelyn, or things about being a mom.

#10: MOMMY
After all, it was this precious little girl that made me a mom, and for her I'll always be grateful.

I loved becoming a mom and everything it has meant. From being pregnant, to the birth experience, and adjusting to life with a baby.  As the months passed, and Madelyn became more mobile, more expressive and dependent on me in new ways, I've increasingly enjoyed being her Mommy.  Now, as she tells story after story, and sings us songs as she gets ready for bed, each and every time she says the word, Mommy, its as if time stops. Just for a milla-second, everything stops because her voice is so sweet, and no matter what it is that she wants or needs, I'm delighted to give her my attention.  These days, she's become fond of the word "stop" so she'll even snap "stop, Mommy" and even that's cute too :) I'm sure in 10 or 11 years, things could be quite different, so for now, I'll take it, however she wants to say it. I guess there is something sort of special about your first, just because - they made you a Mommy!