Two-years old!

Dear Ben,

Two-years old! As I struggle to heave you over the crib railing tonight, it doesn't seem possible that you could be the same person as the eight-pound bundle you were two years ago today.

Words fail to explain how much I love you, Ben. Two years of baby shampoo, warm breath, belly laughs, wrestling matches, quiet cuddles, thumb sucking, lovey carrying, chubby cheeks, dimply bottom, shaggy hair, sticky hands, soft skin, wet kisses, excited squeals. Sweet memories that I pray to remember, while so looking forward to what lies ahead.


And that's a good thing, because you are growing and changing ever so fast. Seems that while in Canada, someone (or eight someones) tripped an energy-booster switch in our boy! "Laid-back" and "mellow" are no longer the first terms I'd use to describe you. From first thing in the morning, until the fourth time we tell you to lay down and go to sleep, you are ready for action.

"Tum Mahmmy!" and you grab my finger to lead me.

"I do it!"

"Ih dat Mahmmy?" on repeat. As in, my side of the conversation is, "It's the oven, a spoon, your book" until finally, "I don't know Ben, what is it?" to which you'll proudly report back.

You can't say "c" or "l", so your cars are "tahrs" and your friend Bella is "Beya". You're opposed to starting words with vowels and prefer that Elmo be "Mehmo" and Aunt Jess's dog, Abby, be "Babbee"

Sometimes you refer to daddy as "Tyer" and can hear his car pull into the driveway...although so can the neighbors thanks to that exhaust pipe...but it gets you super pumped up!

Speaking of cars, they are your thing right now. You have started quite a Hot Wheels collection, but enjoy lining them up, counting them and carrying them more than actually driving them anywhere. But what you do like to drive are your bikes! Vroom, vroom!

You love to help in the kitchen, chase Zoe, eat breakfast, drink milk, dance, play with playdoh, watch Mickey Mouse and read your favorite books. You are very polite, "scuuse me, Zoe" "Dank oo, Mommy" and affectionate with your tight squeezes for Daddy, hugs for your grandparents and aunts, high fives for your uncles, cousins and pals, and cuddles and kisses for Mommy.

Ben, you are so loved. And as you start your third year of life, we give all thanks to God for your growing body and mind and know that He loves you infinitely more than we can even hope to grasp. Happy birthday baby!

Mommy