30 months.

Is it really possible that this little girl:

Is already 2 1/2 years old?!?!?

Even though it's hard to imagine that our little baby is this old, at the same time, it's even harder to remember life without her. She has filled our home, the last 2 1/2 years, with more joy, happiness, laughter and love than we could have ever dreamed possible.

We are so proud of the little girl that she has become and can't wait to see her take on her new role of big sister!

At 2 1/2 years:

She is SO happy, plain and simple, we say it all the time but she really she is such a pleasant little thing * She's Hilarious! She has such a goofy personality * She loves to have a good time & has a killer belly laugh! * Has such good manners- always says please and thank you and has started saying "you welcome"... and "bess you" when you sneeze or cough * Is very lovey-dovey... always game for giving kisses and big hugs... always says "I la you too" * Becoming so independent- loves her big girl bed- loves walking into stores by herself now (no more holding) * A smart little cookie - can count to 10 (and to 20 with only a few little mistakes) - can count to 10 in Spanish (this was a surprise to us until the other day... we have to thank Dora for this lesson) - knows all her colors (and I could listen to her say "pu-pal" (purple) over & over!)- sings her ABC's - sings Twinkle Twinkle and You Are My Sunshine (as well as many of "her songs" on her CD/ iPod playlist * Loves music & is obsessed with the iPod, asks the name of every song ("what's this song?") * Still loves books and can recite a few by herself. (The Foot Book, The Going to Bed Book) * Loves stuffed animals- has a little posse of animals that she carries everywhere * Carmen is still her best, best buddy * Is obsessed with colors- she tells us what color everything is, and then proceeds to tell you something else that is also that color * Loves the color blue right now and prefers when daddy wears a blue shirt * Speaking of clothes preferences for daddy... she "helps" him get dressed into casual clothes when he gets home from work everyday by telling him what color shirt he must wear that day! * Loves to help mommy in the kitchen- everytime I'm in there, she says "mommy, what you makin'?" and starts dragging the chair over to help. * Has a crazy good memory and is extremely observant- doesn't miss a thing (just like daddy) * Loves her morning shows- Little Bear, Dora The Explorer (and now Go Diego Go) and The Wiggles. Also a big fan of Shrek the movie* Still has a bashful side with strangers, it takes her a few minutes to warm up * Still a great eater - Panera is her favorite place to eat (she LOVES broccoli cheddar soup). Loves making and eating smoothies. She's also on a frozen fruit ( esp. raspberry) kick. Loves her milk and "appie juice" * Still very much attached to her blankie and unfortunately binkie (although that is bound to the house) * Loves to play outside and go to the park. * In general, she just loves being a 2.5 year old and is pretty darn good at it!