Dear Vivian {Month 24}

My sweetest, schmoopiest Love Bug Vivian,

You are two years old today.

When I think about what August 9 was like two years ago, I think about how you surprised us in such a beautiful, breathtaking way. I think about how you came into this world: feisty and strong yet sweet and fragile. I think about how in the hours after your birth, my entire body smiled at your arrival.

We're celebrating our third August 9 now. You:

love, love, LOVE to read books. You read in a sing-song voice, pointing to pictures and saying the words you know.

keep your shoes on unless you want "This Little Piggy," and then you ask for them to be "on" immediately after.

love songs. I'm barely finished with one song, and you're enthusiastically signing and saying "more."

drink from a sippy cup exclusively now. The last, lone bottle was packed away last month.

love to throw kisses.

draw with crayons and markers with almost as much enthusiasm as you watch me color and draw.

give hugs with vigor and enthusiasm, patting the recipient on his or her back so lovingly.

wake up asking for milk but rarely want to drink it until you've been up for an hour.

laugh in a way that melts hearts and inspires more laughter, and isn't that what laughing is all about?

love to paint with water, draw with chalk and walk with your push toy on the front step.

People often remark that I must be so proud of you. I am. So very proud. But pride in who you are somehow implies that I have more to do with your youness than I do - and honey, it's all you. You came to this earth with a vast capacity to love; the ability to inspire joy; readiness for adventure and an embracing spirit. You came to me this way, and I consider it my greatest honor as your mom to nurture and preserve and love these precious parts of you. Who you are inspires me daily. I am so blessed by your presence in my life.

We are celebrating your second birthday in Santa Barbara where we have enjoyed sand and ocean, the zoo, cupcakes, strolls down memory lane for your dad and me and walks through hills in the Mesa.

Life with you continues to be so sweet, Vivian. I wish for you a continued love of life, zest for adventure and comfort in your skin. I love you so very much and wish you a happy, happy birthday, sweet girl of mine.

Love,
Mama