2 years.

Dear Cruz,

Today is your birthday. You are now TWO years old. I can hardly believe it. You are so cute - you don't really know what a birthday is, but you say it when we ask you what today is. We tried to teach you how to put up two fingers, and you figured out your own way - your thumb and one finger on each hand - like you're shootin' a gun! :) We ask you how old you are, and you say "two!". That is what you say whenever we ask you the number of something, by the way...it is your favorite number. :)

Words cannot explain how much you mean to me. You are my little ray of sunshine. You make mommy so happy. Thank you for all of your hugs and kisses, and for how you wrap your little arm around my neck whenever I pick you up. You sure are an active little guy, but you are also full of love and affection. One of your favorite things to do at the end of the day is "rock". You would "rock" all night if we let you. You love for us to sing you songs and read you stories, but mostly you just want to be "rocked". I know I probably do it too much, but I can't help it...not when I think about how I won't always have these days.

You are our little climber. You are always maneuvering your toys so that you can climb up on something...whether it's your activity table to shut off the lights, or your little lion to open the microwave. We gave you a little trike for Christmas, and it didn't even take you a minute to figure out how to stand up on the seat and let go of the handles. You give mommy heart attacks daily. I have to remind myself that your curious spirit is a good thing, even though right now it wears me out. I love it that you have your daddy's adventurous spirit in you.

You love to talk. It's hard to remember what you were like when you couldn't communicate with us. I love our little talks about the snow, your buddies, the birds, buses, flags, trains, and snacks. You are always surprising us by your new words.

Some of your favorite toys right now: trains, trucks, tools, your medical kit, guitar, and anything that isn't a toy. :) Some of your favorite foods right now: bananas, mac and cheese, peaches, yogurt, jello, green beans, raisins, and cottage cheese. Your favorite songs: jingle bells, rudolph, sunshine, old macdonald, and away in a manger.

I got pretty nostalgic this week, thinking about how you are already two...and how you are growing up way too fast. But I love each new stage with you, Cruz. I am loving these days with you and hope that you know that. I hope I'm not too hard on you. I only discipline you and correct you because I love you. I am constantly learning what it means to be a mommy, and am so thankful to God for giving me the opportunity. You are His Child, and He has graciously given you to your daddy and i to raise. What an incredible gift.

I love you, my little Cruz bug! Happy 2nd Birthday!

Love,

Your Mommy