LJ

Livy Bug,
I was organizing clothes this past weekend and had a nostalgic moment when I was putting your 18 month clothing in a tub for storage.  The time is flying by at light speed rate and you are getting so big.  You are still a little thing as far as size but your are big with your brain & development.  We had a rough couple months at the end of last year as far as parenting you & that stage of your development.  We learned a lot (& are still learning) on how to be the best parents to you (& your sissy).  Parenting is tough work sister and especially when you, at 2 years old, have a strong like bull mind and are determined to have everything your way.  Not a lot of room to give at this stage.  We (you included) have been working together to help you understand the world around you, instead of it being only your world.  Don't worry sister you can have your own world, but there has to be a time & place for it and its not all the time.  I lived in a world called Kandra-land for a long time before you girls were born;)  I still go to that place as much as I can!  Being in your world is amazing and when I actually allow myself to stop the "task mastering" world and step into your world, it is breathtaking.  You are beautiful inside and out.  The more we work together on this life thing, the better we will get.  It may seem as though I am being a bit "dramatic" on the rough months part, but compared to the recent months we are in good shape and heading in a fantastic direction:)  All the text books are out there to teach us parents how to raise you.  The fact that 2 year olds need routines, limits, affirmation, continual redirection, patience, non-emotional parents when melt downs occur, and the list goes on and on. In theory all of those text book ideas are great and they work.  The hard part is practicing these things to help you grow amidst the constant daily demands.  The good news is you have 2 parents who adore you and want to help you become a loving, kind, and giving person.  We will always be in your corner supporting you during every stage of your life.  I'm not going to lie and say its going to be all rainbows & butterflies because its not.  There will be a ton of moments like tonight when we sing, cuddle, and enjoy each other and "our" world to make all those "tough" moments worth it.  I love everything about you & thank God that you are in my life. 

Love you to the moon & back kid...
Love always,
your momma

ps. The other night you asked me why I came home late the night before. (you were already asleep)  I told you I had a work training I was at.  You looked at me with your big brown eyes and said "you rode a train?"  Too cute!