Happy 2nd Birthday Emma!

Dear Emma Bear,

A very happy 2nd birthday to my sweet second born! It is hard for me to believe my baby is already two. You are a bundle of fun and make your Daddy and I giggle every single day. You are talking in the most adorable, enthusiastic two-year-old way and I love hearing you put sentences together. My favorite lately is when we tell you something and you respond with the most adorable "oh!" You like to narrate what you are doing and I just love it. 

You get very excited about things that are hiding ("high-ing" as you like to pronounce it), airplanes overhead, counting, frequenting "Tarbucks" (Starbucks) for a breakfast bagel ("bag-gull") treat, your new helmet and bike and going on walks out to the trash and mailbox. I love how these little things thrill you and it's hard not to feel passionate about them too when I'm around you - it's contagious!

This morning we took a family walk to Starbucks for your birthday breakfast. You got to ride your new bike (your choice). We traveled at a snail's pace but you savored every minute of it. Afterward we went to the zoo because you wanted to "see monkeys." We saw so many different types and you had a heyday. We even saw one going potty which you thought was pretty neat. I kept asking if you wanted to walk or ride in the stroller to which you responded: "RUN!" And off you went. That about sums up your sweet energy in a nutshell. Why walk when you can run? 

You are beginning to show your caring side. Today at the zoo, you'd run ahead but then you'd turn around and check to see if I was coming. You'd say an exuberant "Come Mommy!" and beckon me with your fingers. I could hardly stand it!

You've developed a bit of a sweet tooth and when I asked you what you wanted to do on your birthday, without hesitation you exclaimed "ice cream!" Grandma Crozier made you, your sister and your second cousins a monkey cake for an extended family birthday party and you just couldn't get enough. In fact, we left the party with you screaming "monkey take!" in hopes of getting a second helping. 

For a couple weeks there, we were nervous you'd had a slight personality change. You gave us a real scare with some epic two-year-old-style tantrums that left us speechless. As it turns out, I think you were a few hundred naps and a couple good nights of sleep behind and once we got you rested again, your mood switched. But we certainly are getting some glimpses of the fact that you have an opinion and you're not afraid to make it known!

I think I pair your name with the adjective "sweet" more than any other word because it really is true and there is no better way to say it - you are a sweetheart! You are the sweetest, most endearing little two-year-old and you capture the hearts of those around you in seconds. Your personality remains incredibly unique and I can't wait to see the ways that God will use you. You are a beautiful mystery at times and I'm still trying to figure you out but I think you are going to be a people-person and have a knack for drawing others in. You don't like being the complete center of attention but you sure do love making everyone laugh (which you do so well). You make people comfortable and you make them feel loved - such an incredible gift.

I can't say enough good things about you - you are so special and a perfect complement to our family. Your Daddy and I love you more than you could ever know and we pray that you would continue to live vibrantly and that you would grow up to love Jesus with all your heart. Happy Birthday Sweet Thing!

Love, 

Mom