Two Years.

Caroline and Tyler,

You’ll find that I didn’t actually write this letter to you on your birthday for once in 24 months.  The thing is, you’ve changed so much in such a short period of time that it’s hard for me to even find words.  I spent last Saturday in a frenzy… of emotion, of stress, and of disbelief… that my once little tiny babies were now full-fledged little people who could, in fact, tell me that it was their birthday and that they were “TWO!”  We made pancakes with sprinkles together, then you watched in excitement as I set up Mickey Mouse paraphernalia all over the house to celebrate your big day.  We practiced all week long on saying “Happy Birthday,” and I’m so thankful that on one of our many trips around town I was able to record you half-saying, half-singing it in your sweet little southern-sounding voices. 

Over the past few weeks, you’ve not only become independent beyond belief but you’ve begun a transformation I wasn’t quite prepared for. What used to be just sweet baby faces have turned into the precious faces of children – full of curiosity, wonder, and life – and when I look at them I catch glimpses of the grown ups you’ll one day become.  Tyler, you’re as inquisitive as ever, but you’re totally charming in every way.  You speak so eloquently, with every syllable and letter pronounced perfectly, but hearing you talk is definitely a privilege.  Even at age two, you always seem to think before you speak (definitely a trait your mother could work on).  But the characteristic I will remember most about you at this age is your grin… the one you give me when you’re up to something, the one you slyly offer when you’re about to try something new, and the same one that graces your face when I pick you up to dance around the kitchen or plant a big kiss on your sweet cheeks. 







And as much as you two are different, Caroline, you have a signature look as well.  You have had “eyes that dance” since the moment you were born, but the more you grow, the more those eyes smile.  You can be oh-so-dramatic at times, but when you’re happy, there isn’t much in the world that can compete with the light you shine.  Usually a mama’s girl, you greet me every morning when I walk into your room with the most excited smile and a sing-songy “maaaamaaaa!”  We often go downstairs and just sit together on the couch watching Mickey, and I revel in the fact that you’re content to be there, pointing out each character one by one and talking non-stop.  That’s the part I hope never changes about you… that you’ll always find me someone you want to talk to. 







Now that you’re two, there are so many things that have changed about our every day life.  Where we once used strollers, I can now trust you to listen to me and stay by my side.  Where we once had to use high chairs, you can now kneel in a booth or sit like big kids in booster seats.  Where I used to pick out your clothes and shoes, you now tell me what you’ll be wearing.  And where I used to decide if you’d be having eggs or pancakes, you are quick to tell me you’d rather just have a “moothie” (smoothie).  When we’re not busy and just hanging around the house, you impress me with the games you can invent for yourselves.  Where I used to seek ways to entertain you, now I wait and watch from the sidelines.  You both love puzzles, coloring books, stickers, play dough, throwing balls and chasing each other, but most of all, you love scaling furniture and jumping as far off as you can.  There are many times I can remember where I’ve scattered every pillow I can find around the floor, only for you to rearrange them because it interfered with your game.  Probably our favorite activity of all, though, is walking to the park.  You both love to slide down all the “big kid” slides and swing in the “big kid” swings… and I’ve finally learned to sit below and watch in patience.  The two of you are honestly amazing, and almost everyone who meets you comments on your physicality.  I don’t know whether to be proud or scared out of my mind!  And finally, where I used to guess what was on your minds, now you tell me in two or sometimes three-word sentences.  This has been one of the most awesome changes in month 24, because we can communicate so much better and I know it’s less frustrating for you.  The looks on your faces are just priceless when we understand what you’re telling us, especially when you answer the right number or color correctly. 

Once again, this letter is hard for me… I feel like there is so much to say, but not enough words to do it justice.  How can I even begin to tell you how lucky I am to be your mother?  I stand in awe of you every single day, and I am honestly grateful for each one I have with you.  As much as I want time to slow down, so that I can savor every step and every stage of your life, it is so exciting to watch you change into such wonderful human beings.  I know you are destined for greatness, but no matter what paths you choose I will be there to support you every step of the way.  You two are the greatest blessings of my life, and I will never be able to thank God enough for knowing how much I needed you in it.  

Love you always,
Mama