Happy 2nd Birthday Claire!

Claire's 2nd Birthday is almost here. Man that is so hard to say, 2nd, 2nd, 2nd....OK I said it! I just can hardly believe my baby is going to be 2. In keeping with our family tradition here is here 2nd Birthday letter:


Two years ago, as I lay on that hospital bed awaiting your birth, I knew not the kind of change you'd bring into my life. It was a change so drastic it spun me out of my world and shook my very core. Although you're just this teeny tiny 'thing', you already make me want to be a better person for you. You showed me the meaning of true Joy when you cracked your first smile in the 1st month of your birth. You taught me the value of patience when you struggled with your first steps and uttered your first words at 9 months. You commanded Respect when you became this little person with your own intelligence and temperament. And most of all, you remind me of the grace that you are, everyday of your life. So, thank you for just being you. I hope you will enjoy the journey of life with Mommy and Daddy.

Even though you’ve been with us for two years now, I’m still tickled when I say “my daughter.” Heck, your brother has been with us for nearly 7 years, and I’m still tickled to say “my son.” That feeling never changes, and I love it.


You, my third child my baby forever, melt my heart. I could end the letter right here. Wipe my hands clean of what I want to say and call it a day, "Happy 2nd birthday." But alas, I have so much on my mind and I want to say it all to you. I could never live without you. YOU are my baby, my last, the third child that I always dreamed of having. You complete us as a family. I will never have another baby.

I knew you long before I ever saw your face. And when I first held you in my arms, I fell in love. Some days I think I know you better than I know myself.
I know the way your hair naturally falls. I know the shape of your eyebrows and how your right one is scragglier than your left. I know the chub of your big toes and the way that nail has a curve to it that makes it hard to trim. I know the gentle curve of your tushie. I know the way your eyes sparkle with your smile. I know the little dimples on your elbows. I know the pink shade of your lips. I usually know what you’re saying, even if no one else does. I know where your bruises are, and I how you got many of them. I know the scar on your eyebrow, while hoping it will fade. I know that when you hurt your head that it feels better after you put your head to mine. I know the sound of your laugh better than I know my own. I know what helps you fall asleep. I know the way you fit so snugly in my arms. I know your tears and what they mean.

Your surprise kisses brighten my heart. Some days I wish I could hold you and keep you from the world, in hopes of keeping you from heartache, but that would also keep you from many joys.

Never would I have imagined the absolute joy of watching you grow, learn, walk, and talk. Most of all – the happiness and delight you bring to your Daddy and I (your smile and laugh still make me melt...) I'm still in awe at how much that delicate baby I once held is gone, growing up fast, and getting a little more independent each day. Although, in my eyes, you’ll still be my little baby girl (even when you’re 30...)

Still, you amaze me, you stump me, you humble me.

You have taught me so many things over the last two years. You have taught me that Tupperware is a hat, that a pack of Smarties provides hours of amusement. You have taught me patience, and love. Every day brings me to my knees in thanks for your existence, for your wisdom, for your health.

As I watch you explore your world, always know, I am your BIGGEST fan.

Happy Birthday Sweetie!
Love,
Mommy