Love note to the Birthday Girl.

 

"How wonderful life is, while you're in the world."

We met two years ago in a hospital room in Northwest Portland. I broke speed limits and cut off angry drivers as I battled my way north on I-5 from Corvallis once I got the call that we would soon have a new family member. To my suprise, I was the first family member to the hospital. Apparently, this novice auntie was the only one that didn't get the memo that these things take time. 

22ish hours [if memory serves]. I do not pride myself in patience. There is nothing I am more ill-suited for.

Here we are many hours later, celebrating her second year. I had many questions that day as I stared at this new face about what she would like and dislike, how she would behave, what questions she'd ask, how her voice would sound. And not that all have been answered, but it's been fun discovering some of the ones I asked and some that I had not even thought of. In honor of her birthday, I'd like to share some of these discoveries and blank spaces she has filled in.

I love her presence. [Even if she sleeps through 2 hours of her 2nd birthday party].

I love that she causes collisions on her train set, then walks seven-feet away to her play kitchen and makes imaginary eggies.

I love that she can rock her baby dolly to sleep and once dolly's dreams take over, she'll play soccer with me.

I love that she can help find Nemo and explore with Dora in the same afternoon [And that when we FaceTime she immediatelys asks "where's Nemo?" and I have to show her my DVD case that I now keep at arm's reach].

I love that she calls me T-T and says 'yuv you.'
I love that she exists.

I love this face.

 

Happy 2nd birthday, baby bear. You are SO loved.