As You Turn Two

I've thought often about creating a special journal for each of our kids documenting my thoughts as they celebrate their birthdays each year. I still haven't got around to buying a journal so the blog will have to do for now.

I'll warn you that I've been emotional all day, and this letter is super mushy.

My dearest Lucy Katherine,

It's so hard for me to believe that today you are two years old. But it's even harder for me to believe that you haven't been part of our lives forever.

Just two years ago, you were born (after a very long labor, I'll remind you). I loved cuddling you and looking at every part of your tiny and perfect body.

Now two years later and my tiny baby has turned into a cheerful, funny, smart, exuberant little person who is growing up so very fast.

I love your curiosity as you explore the world. You greet each day with such excitement and can't wait to see what the day has in store. You love interacting with people, especially other children. "Hi kids" is one of your favorite things to shout as we go about our days. You are fascinated by little things that we adults often take for granted, and being with you is a great reminder for me to slow down and enjoy just living. You really do make me stop and smell the flowers!

I love your beautiful smile and your contagious giggle. You have developed such a great sense of humor, and you sure know how to make us laugh! Last fall, you started saying "quack" for all the animal noises because you knew it was funny. You know exactly when you're being silly and you almost always get the reaction you're looking for from us.

I love watching you interact with your baby brother. The way his face lights up when he sees you turns me into a puddle. The other day I realized that someday you and Jack will have secrets that Daddy and I aren't in on, and even though that makes me sad to know that I won't know every little detail of your lives, I'm happy to think of the wonderful relationship the two of you will have.

I love hearing you say new words each day. You are such a smart girl, and I am surprised every single day by how much you observe and learn. Just a couple months ago, we were amazed that you were beginning to say three-word phrases. And now you're speaking in full sentences, and sometimes I find myself wondering if you'll ever stop to take a breath! A few months ago we were in the car with Nana and you started filling in the ABCs. I just about drove off the road because I had no idea you knew any part of the alphabet! And now you sing the entire song (and again and again and again). You really don't miss a thing, which certainly keeps us on our toes. Almost every day, I call Daddy to repeat one of your funny phrases.

What I love most about you is being your mama. There were many months that I wondered if I'd ever get to be a mom, and I know now that God had a plan for us to wait for you. Seeing your face light up when you see me and hearing you call for me makes me feel so happy I could burst. You are one of the most spectacular things that could ever have happened to me.

Thank you for being you, and thank you for letting us share life's adventure with you.

I love you my Lucy!