I Two!

Grace,

Today you turn 2! Last night when we practiced your new number, I would say, "Grace if someone asks you how old are you, you say I'm two." And you would promptly say, "I three!" Which all comes from you big brother who when someone says, "Me too." Always replies with, "Me three!" Toddler logic is such a funny thing. But today you seemed to get the message and when I asked how old you are you said, "Twwooo."

It's hard to realize how far you've come in just two short years. But I shouldn't be surprised. You started out in a hurry. On the 12th two years ago, Tutu and Papaw had come to town. I was going to be induced in the morning and they wanted to be there for the big event. We had dinner at Olive Garden and I started noticing contractions. By 9 pm, they hurt pretty good and I had known then what I know now I would have gone to the hospital. But the contracts weren't close enough to really consider it. By 11 pm, we were calling Pa and Granna to tell them that we were headed out and would they come watch Liam. He was sleeping at Papa and Mimi's where we were living at the time. And we drove off down the dirt road and up the bumpy highway to the hospital where when we arrived I was having contractions a minute apart. And you came about 45 minutes later. Just late enough to have a December 13st birthday. I'll have to ask Daddy but I think you were the first baby born in San Angelo that day.

In the last year you've discovered a lot of new things. Since you were well practiced with walking, you got to fully enjoy the outdoors. You would spend all of your time outside if we let you. And are not at all ashamed to have a right little fit when it is time to go in, especially if you aren't finished playing yet. There are even times when the offer of a treat wont convince you to give up your beloved outdoors for the stuffy confining inside.

We lived in a hotel for a month. You wont remember the bright red couch, the lone king sized bed, or having to sleep in your pack-n-play every night. Your love of TV shows, I believe, is all owed to that month. Louisiana is a rather wet place to live and apparently it rains a lot in the month of April. While we made great friends with the maids and had multiple trips up and down the hall everyday, TV is what kept us all sane. I never thought I'd be that mother, but sometimes you just have to use the tools you have.


Liam loves you so much. He thinks you are about the best thing in the whole world. And would dote on you all day long if you'd let him. And you are a trooper really about putting up with all his attentions, but eventually it becomes just more than you want. And you'll strong arm his hugs and turn your face away when he comes for yet another kiss. I'm telling you now, you should let him love on you now. There is going to come a time when he is distracted with his cool school friends and his sweet new girlfriend and you wont get all that attention. Something tells me that when it is gone you are going to notice.

One of my favorite developments this year has been how long your hair is getting. Daddy still wont let me cut your hair. He's given in to letting me trim your bangs. And even then I don't think he gave so much as I just did it. That is, of course, only allowed for Mommy. You should always ask permission before doing something you think your dad or I might disapprove of. But back to your hair, it's so pretty and blond. Something that's fun to see around here. Your dad and I both had blond hair as little kids. And your Uncle Reese still has his blond hair. It's the perfect compliment to your hazel brown eyes. And now that I can put it up it's so cute. I have to say pigtails is my favorite.



Happy Birthday Grace! You've had a wonderful year. I've loved every moment of watching you grow and become such a smart little girl. Every song you sing and every dance you dance is the best one I've ever seen and your dad thinks you hung the moon. (The moon that you are always so insistent the two of you find every time you are outdoors together at night.) And while, I'm certain you wont continue to hop everywhere you go next year, I will always remember how it's your favorite way to travel now. And I don't worry about you stepping on a crack because you are always so careful to jump over them for me. You are such a thoughtful little girl.






Love,
Mommy