Dear Arianna, (2 years)

Dear Arianna,
We have had an amazing year. You have learned and grown so much. Last year at this time you couldn't even walk. Now you are running, jumping, laughing, and chasing a new brother around the house. That is the biggest change you have had this year. In November we added Deven to our family and you are ecstatic about it. It is like he has unlocked a part of you that was hidden and now you shine even more brightly. 
You have overcome a lot of fears this year. You had a fear of walking and took about a month to face it and stand up on your own. 

• You developed a serious fear of water, but now absolutely love the pool and bath. 
• You had some trouble with textures and "fluffy" things and today you were prancing around in a tutu. 
• Just recently you developed some separation anxiety and have started to overcome that amazingly quick. 

As I go back through the year I can see some things that have stayed the same.

•  You still love music. You love to sing and dance and listen to music.
•  You still love to read and do it very often
• .You still love to be outside and exploring the world.
• You love to make people laugh and smile and you know when you are on "stage."
• You still bring light into everyone's lives.

 Arianna, you are my little girl and I love you more than I can even say.  
Love Forever,
Mom

Here are some pictures from Ari's Birthday Chicka-Chicka Boom-Boom Party, which my wonderful friend Rebecca offered to host:

These three were all born within a month of each other!

Fun with Uncle Matt and the monkey in the box

Deven and friend Jacob

 And of course, no "Dear Arianna Letter" is complete without a photo shoot. This is a dress that Ari's birth-mom gave her for her birthday: