Dear Emily -

I should be in bed now, but wanted to write to you first.

There have been many times I have started to write something to you, and planned to come back later to finish. Almost four months since I've written to you last. Four months. That's such a long time in your toddler years. So many firsts I've missed sharing with you. So many things I've been so proud of, which I should have written down. Forever they will be in my memory though, and what a very sweet memory it is.

Every day you amaze me Emily. Every day you accomplish something new, and every day you change someone's world. The most precious one to watch is your fathers. You've been spending more and more time with him, and as he shares so many new accomplishments and experiences he has with you is makes me cherish all the two of you have together all that much more. He is an amazing man. I feel very blessed to have him a part of our family, and for you to have him as your dad. I will always be grateful to him.

Today you are 20 months 10 days old. Your second birthday is getting closer and closer! You now are speaking 5-6 word scentances, cooking food (blocks, legos, and such) on your play stove and serving them to your dad and even your grandparents over the webcam, and with great excitement you are accomplishing the toilet training :) You are so very close!

You are very particular about things, such as eating (you insist on using utensils), where your cup goes, and the order in which things are done. You are particular, but not overly so - good things since our house doesn't follow any type of order :) You are an incredible little sister to your big brother and sisters, but also are quite the tag-a-long and helper during my nanny jobs, even with Harrison - you are amazing and holding your own with peace and strength. I am so proud of you.

Today I went to pick up your paperwork for the Montessori School you've been accepted in to. Normally their age is 2.5 yrs, but with your interview and observance of how you handle yourself you have been accepted 6mo early. While picking up that paperwork I talked with one of the teachers, who laughed and shared her thoughts on how amazed she was just watching you as well as how observant you were. She is very excited to be working with you come this summer.

I am very excited for you and school, but dreading the time coming as well. When will I get to see you? When will I spend time with you? I'm looking at you attending school 3x week (9-12), but come Fall you're moving up to full-time (up to 10hrs a day) 3x week. I have no doubt you will love every moment, and yet I miss you already and it's still 4mo away *counting fingers.....* Four Months????? :( Well then, you will have to tell me about all your experiences when I pick you up from school each day :D

Today marks the 8th day you've been over at your dads. This is the longest we have every been apart, although I did see you for a few hours on Monday (five days ago) when we all got together for dinner with your grandparents (my parents) when they were in town. You've been with your dad because Jennifer had her baby. Baby Wyatt. You will love him! What a special time for you, to have all this time. Your dad shares so much with me, from teeth brushing, dinner cooking, talking to your grandparents over webcam, you chasing "bunnies" (squirrels), accomplishments in the potty, and so many more!

I have such big sweet news.....

..... in five days, most likely, we will be trying for your baby brother or baby sister. We are beyond excited. I have a journal started already, and will write more. I hope as you grow older you'll find the same joy to write in it as well.

I look forward to all your life is going to bring Emily. All your accomplishments to come, and watching you grow in to becoming all you can be. At the same time, I wish I could rewind the clock. You're growing too fast, but oh how much of an amazing little girl you have become already!

Every Moment I Love You...... my beautiful little Emily. Every moment. Every moment, whether you're sitting next to me or climbing over my head, I love every moment.

I can't wait to wrap you in my arm tomorrow and hold you forever. Eight days has been too long, and yet at the same time I cherished every minute for you since you were with your dad :)