Birthday Eve

Charlotte Lee,

Tonight was the last time that we will put you to bed as a two year old.  M,y but you've grown a lot this year little girl!  Looking back at pictures of you on your last birthday it's hard to believe that they were only taken a year ago.  This time last year you were still unsure on your feet running and we worried about you falling and now you're running and climbing and jumping all over the place!

This year from two to three couldn't have been the easiest for you.  We introduced a little brother into our family and instead of being the center of everyone's attention, you all of a sudden had to share it.  You handled the transition with far more grace and poise than someone your age should have.  Or someone my age, to be honest.  You have loved your brother from the moment he arrived and now love to give him kisses and tell him "Night, night buddy" before he goes to bed.

Last year we put you to bed before your birthday in a crib and this year you are climbing in and out of a double bed without rails on the side with ease.  You were still in diapers last year and now can go to the bathroom from start to finish all by yourself.  You have grown in so many ways this year and it's often hard for your Daddy and I to remember that you are only two because you talk and act so much older.

Because of your maturity we probably expect more out of you than we should.  This year has definitely encountered some ups and downs as we tried to find the best way to guide your personality into a shape that is most pleasing to God.  Your stubborn nature has been passed down from many generations and it's no wonder that we sometimes have a hard time forcing you to succumb to our will.  I pray that that trait will be good for you as you're fighting against the flow of peer pressure in high school but I will have to say that in a two year old who is refusing to put on a temperature appropriate outfit it's a little frustrating.

Despite our fumbles and successes in the disciplining journey, you have become even more of an affectionate little girl this year.  You love giving hugs, "Buddy Hugs" being your favorite kind, and you are effusive in your praise for everything from a top to shoes to reminding me how great of a job I did by not spilling your lemonade this time after I spilled it last time.  Your "I love you's" are quick off of your lips and you love sitting in our laps to read.  The advancement in your verbal abilities over the last year might be the most striking and most appreciative development because I'm pretty sure one of the highlights of my life so far was when you told me that I was the best Mommy.

It's hard to believe that it's been three years since we were having a hard time falling asleep because we couldn't wait to meet you the next day.  I find it hard to remember a time when you weren't in our world, little one.  We are so thankful that God chose to bless us with your precious life three years ago. You are a beautiful little girl inside and out and we can't wait to see what God has in store for you as you grow older.

We love you Charlotte!
Happy Birthday Eve!
love Mommy