Hello my little two year old girl.

Two years old. Wow. I cannot believe how fast the time has gone. When I reflect on those first days of your life and how even then you had my heart wrapped around yours, I cringe to think how fast this is all moving. I have so loved being your daddy and I would just like it to slow down a little bit.

You see, my little girl, for as long as I could remember, I have wanted you. Not just any girl, mind you. No, I wanted you. I wanted a little girl who is so sweet she’ll help her brother up after he’s fallen or give him hugs when he’s not well. And I wanted that little girl who is so independent that she wants to do everything by herself – even when it means being totally frustrated. I wanted that little girl who is so passionate that she’ll dance in the middle of the room or scream when things don’t go her way. I wanted the beautiful little girl whose inner beauty shines just as strong. I wanted, and got, you.

You have transformed so much since those early days. In those days we thought that you were the quiet one. The gentle soul. The one who takes it all in without speaking. My how we were wrong. We were wrong because you are too complex to pin such a narrow view. For example, you definitely like to talk – but only when you are comfortable in your surroundings. You will spend an entire hour and a half of “nap” time talking non-stop but trying to get you to say hello to a stranger is an exercise in futility. Yes, you are complex. What you see on the outside isn’t what you’ll get when you dig a little deeper. I love that about you.

My favorite moments of being your daddy are classic “daddy’s little girl” moments. For example, I love it when you hold my hand as we walk up the steps to daycare. I love the way you say “Hi… Da-ddy” drawing out the words in a way that implies pure love and affection. I love the hugs you give me for no apparent reason other than to express your feelings. I love your goodnight kisses. I love those precious few moments when it’s just me and you and I can tell how very much you love being alone with your daddy. It makes me feel special.

And it is all going so fast. I try not to think about it but I cannot help but think that before I know it, I’ll be watching you go to the Prom or watching you walk down the aisle and it makes me want to hold onto my little girl and squeeze. I want to squeeze all the pure joy of little Swee’Pea into my heart and keep it there for eternity. I want to always remember what it feels like to nuzzle your soft cheek with my nose as we descend the stairs each morning – knowing that this will most likely be the only time I’ll have alone with you all day. I want to remember all of this because before I know it time will have moved on.

You are two years old and you’re already fine tuning your tantrum. Just today you were in rare form because I didn’t give you enough warning before ending our coloring activity. You, my little one, are full of passion – even when throwing a tantrum. Just take it easy on good old Dad, okay?

Happy Birthday, my precious Swee’Pea. I love you with all of my heart.