To my two year old.

Dear Kevin,

  Mommy loves you very much. I can't believe that 2 years ago Daddy and I were heading to the hospital to start your arrival into this world. Little did we know it would take 23 hours before you would finally arrive.

 We were so happy to finally have you with us! We loved looking into your blue, newborn eyes. Playing with your super soft baby hair, often guiding it into a Mohawk that stayed with you for months. We would make out pictures with your stork bites on your forehead, often thinking they looked like hearts, or Mickey Mouse.

As you grew you stayed such a happy baby. You loved to be held but didn't mind when you were put down either. 

You have been a great sleeper since day 1. I remember the first night you slept for 5 hours straight. You were about 3 weeks old and I remember it was the weekend. Daddy and I woke up around the same time (about 7:30) and realized you weren't awake. We both jumped out of bed to check on you and you were still sleeping peacefully. You still have an amazing sleep schedule. You sleep from around 8 pm-7am and still usually have a 3 hour nap. Mommy enjoys your nap time because she can get stuff done but I also miss you while you are sleeping. I still go into your room at night, cover you with a blanket, and thank God that Daddy and I have been so blessed.


Today we celebrated your second birthday. We had a Cars theme because as of right now that's your favorite movie (or as you say "vroom".) Mommy made cupcakes and we invited over your two best friends.

 You woke up from nap excited to see all of your decorations. The look on your face was priceless. You pointed at all of the cars on the decorations, balloons and cupcakes and over and over again said "vroom."

You had fun playing with your friends but when it came down to opening presents you took it as very serious business. 

 You spent your time opening and inspecting each gift.

 Along with Cars one of you other favorite things are school buses. You get so excited whenever you see one and you were even more excited when you received one to play with.

 

 However, as excited as you were opening Cars gifts and your school bus, you were even more excited when you opened one of your gifts from Mom and Dad containing new stories. Mommy was so proud to see you spend the most time inspecting your new stories. (I hope you are a reader just like me).

 When all the presents were opened we prepared your cupcake. Funfetti vanilla with vanilla frosting. Since you were having a much smaller party this year we decided to go with cupcakes instead of cake. You were ecstatic anyway. Daddy lit the 2 candle on your cupcake and before we started singing you put your hand up and said, "hot". We told you it was alright and you patiently waited for further instructions. Once we all started singing Happy Birthday and you realized we were singing to you, you were extremely happy. When we told you to blow out your candle you knew exactly what to do and blew it out in one puff.

 MMmmmm... cupcake. I love how you hold your cupcakes with both hands, trying carefully not to make a mess.

 Your friends stayed and played for a little bit longer and we played with some of your toys. You loved the bubble blower you received and had so much fun trying to pop them with your face. After your friends left and you ate dinner, you played on the floor with Daddy. Mommy laid down on the couch and watched you. Mommy's favorite part of the day was when she dozed off on the couch only to be awoken by you saying, "Momma". You then noticed I was resting and stopped playing with all of your new toys, grabbed your blanket and climbed up on the couch with me. We snuggled for a good ten minutes then decided it was time to get you ready for bed. Although your schedule had been a little messed up you still went to bed like a champ. I only hope you will someday have the same feelings of pride, love and happiness that mommy and daddy experience on a daily basis being your parents. We love you so much Kevin Riley and are so blessed to be your mom and dad. Happy second birthday baby!