Happy 2nd birthday week: Dear John:

Dear John:

Today you turn 2. You are no longer a baby, but a little boy all your own. It is hard to believe how fast the time flies. I have said this at every stage of your life, but again I say that this is my most favorite age, and I think yours too.

You take your time with new things and when faced with a new environment you would prefer to soak it all in for a few minutes until you decide how you feel about it. And MAN, if you do not feel right about it, Mama has learned not to push the issue because you are going to stand your ground. On the other hand, when you find something that you like, you go all in! Some of these things are a passing phase, but some things you fall in love with and can't get enough. These are the things that Mama and Daddy live for; because to see your face light up like it does is the best feeling in the world to us.

When you are at home and in your element, you have fantastic level of confidence, but are still very careful. I love this balance. You totally trust us to catch you or hold you, sometimes to the point that it scares us because we don't know your are going to jump! :) You are careful though and seem to know where the limits are when we are not right next to you.

You demand acknowledgement and will repeat yourself and/or get louder and louder until you get a response. But you also are quick to give thanks even when we are not sure what you are thanking us for.

You are the sweetest boy that I have ever met. You are free with your hugs and kisses and would sit and cuddle ALL day if we would let you. You rub our cheeks or play with our ears or chin while you cuddle or when you are tired. However, you have not said the words "I love you" quite yet; I know you will say it on your own terms and that day will live in infamy and melt our hearts. You love when we have group hugs. You love on Bailee and Kallie and your stuffed animals and you make sure that they kiss and hug each other too.

You are all boy and can be super rough, but also know how to be gentle ("easy"). You are a good listener and you totally know when you are doing something you are not supposed to; evidenced by the mischievous look on your face. You are very well behaved and we are so proud of you.

You are starting to really get an imagination and we love watching you play and be creative. You can find true enjoyment in the most simple things. I hope you keep this attitude throughout life.

Today, baby boy, we wish you the happiest birthday and pray that you enjoy life, as you do today, for all of the years to come. We love you more than words.