In which we talk about two years ago and moving

Dear Riley,

Two years ago your mama and daddy officially became your mama and daddy as a conjoined unit. As crazy as that little detail seemed at the time, if there is one thing I have learned in the last two years it is that the bond between us transcends beyond measures I could not have imagined. There have been many days over the last two years that I have realized we were just meant to be- soul mates, and while it took us awhile to get there, now that we have finally come together, I cannot imagine anything in our lives being any better than what we have now in each other and in you and in our family unit together as a whole. Daddy has supported you and I through everything- strep throat, and ear infections, and a mild bout of colic, and unemployment, and accepting unemployment, and ppd, and beyond pp depression, and learning how to walk and three hours of screaming and a stubborn streak that is only matched but not exceeded by mine. The number of times the phrase "all that matters is that you and Riley are happy" has come out of his mouth is indicative of how much you and I mean to him- but little girl, it is you that makes us complete. You are without a doubt, the coolest part of us being together, and you remind us on a daily basis that you are also at least a step ahead of us.
Next week you and I are getting on a plane and heading to Washington- and not coming back. Well, for awhile. We are officially beginning the start of a move to the Pacific Northwest, one that has been in discussion in our family for quite awhile and is finally coming to fruition. There are many more opportunities available for us there- both personally and professionally, and in the long run, this is a really good move for you, Riley D. You'll be around places where you and I can go play during the day and meet new friends and be close to children's museums and Gymboree classes and gymnastics options and for God's sake McDonald's that actually have play places! It will be an adjustment, but Daddy and I are both ready to make the journey and guess what, you don't get a choice in the matter right now! So Saturday night we are hosting a going away party with all of our peoples here and then Wednesday you and I are leaving on a jet plane. Daddy will join us in the end of October and we will be happy to see him.
I love you little girl, as much as you have loved your pink elephant in the last few days,
Momma