Two.

Dear Charlie,

Today, my love, you are two.  TWO!  It's been a fun two years.  You've brought joy and love to our home. You've worried us and you've kept us on our toes.  You fit in perfectly.

This year, in particular, has been pretty big for you.  You've broken two bones, been treated for asthma, and are a talking machine.  Luckily, the first two haven't really slowed you down.  You run little funny (I call you my sandpiper) but other than that, I think you are just a 2-year old boy.  You are fast and furious when you want to get somewhere. 

I've been amazed at how much you say.  Everything you hear, you repeat.  Last night, you were up a lot because you have a cold and you wanted rocking.  Here's how the hour passed at 3a.m.

Charlie: Mommy! Rock, please.
Me: okay buddy.
Charlie: Lala! lalla!
Me: Charlie, you need medicine, it will make you better. Can I give you this medicine? (pointing to nebulizer)
Charlie: Okayyy mommy. Book? Lala? Monkeyyy! Medicine mommy.

Then I tried several times to lay you down in your crib. "Sing mommy." "Rock mommy." "Sit mommy"

And as you laid on top of me, you had your arms wrapped firmly around me with your head nestled into my neck.  I could sit like that forever and be a happy mama.  I love to have your weight on me and hear you breathe. 

Charlie, you seriously light up the room.  You have wonderful smile and a strong personality. Your spunk and sass is so... happy. And jolly.  We all just love to watch you and see what you might do next.  If we ask you a question, I can always expected an "okay" or a "NO Mommy!"  You spent last week with your grandparents and now you are saying "Huh?" whenever I ask you a question.  It's actually very funny even though it makes me crazy when your daddy says it.

This year, you also lost your PapPap.  It makes my heart hurt knowing that you will have never known such an amazing man.  I hope that you know he loved you so much.  My fondest memory of the two of you is at the beach just a week before he passed away.  You two sat under the tent and played for so long and whenever I would look up at him, I could see such joy in his face to be playing with you. I can't wait to tell you more about him and I so wish he could tell me what I already know about you..that you are one fantastic little boy.

I can't say enough how much joy you have brought to our family.  Will has so much fun playing with you and is always to help out when you need it.  You have become a great little helper from watching your brother, I suppose.  You love to put things in the trash, help me make my coffee, feed the dog, and throw clothes into the washing machine! I love how much you help!

Charlie, thank you for choosing us as your family.  Our hearts are so full because of you and your brother. 

With all my love,

Mama