Today you are two-years-old. You don’t fully understand what that means yet, but it means that for 730 days, or 24 months, or 2 years, you have been studying the world (often with a wrinkled brow), making assessments, and beginning to make your way into it. You are a very, very loved little girl. For your birthday dinner once again we had your Grandma T, Grandma and Grandpa Dion, and Great-Grandma all gathered around the table hanging on your every word and gesture. You love all of these people very much as well, and it’s wonderful to watch your relationships with them blossom.

One of my greatest enjoyments of the past year has been watching the joy you get out of life. You are thoughtful and sensitive to other people, and also very enthusiastic and embrace things fully (in your own time). Your favorite things are animals, books, being outside, climbing and challenging yourself physically, and giggling at your dad. You are my arts and letters girl, who loves music, dancing and singing. You can identify all of your letters and have a strong interest in reading. I secretly hope you will be a writer someday 🙂

In the past few months you’ve become more confident with approaching other children and engaging them in play. You are very empathetic and have a nice, gentle way of dealing with people. It concerns me that your sensitivity and gentleness will sometimes get you hurt by those who are not so kind, but I hope to always show you that a gentle, loving heart will always be respected and valued at home.

A loving heart aside, you have a strong-willed backbone that I hope will serve as your compass through life. You can be stubborn when you make up your mind about something. You and I will definitely clash as you grow up, but please remember that I love you very much regardless of how frustrated I may seem.

In the next few months your life is going to change quite a bit when your new baby brother is born. This may be hard for you at first, but I truly believe that having a partner-in-crime will be one of the best things we can give you. You’ll have to trust on that – especially when he’s taking your toys, messing up your stuff, or following you and your friends around.

Until then, enjoy being the Queen of your world. Know that your Daddy and I love you endlessly and that we wait to see what the next day will bring with you.

Mama