Happy Birthday Mia!

Our baby is 2. The first year of her life went by just about right. Each phase was exciting, but the pace felt just fine. This past year however was on fast forward. It zoomed by and left us wondering how in the world she can be two already.

When we first moved to Nevis, she was still nursing, she was very dependent, and very much a baby. In no time, she's grown so big, is talking, dancing, having opinions, watching Dora, and turning into quite the little lady. How all of this has happened so quickly is beyond me.

Dave and I were talking last night about her dating and getting married one day. I think we were both about to start crying, so we had to stop talking about it and change the subject. She is our everything...the reason we do everything we do. She has inspired us to be more devoted to the Lord, more kind and thankful to others, and more patient and loving towards each other. I guess it's because I want her to grow up in a home where my children aren't just told what to do, they are shown what to do.

Mia...when you were 2...your best friend was Damon Allred...

You were a little afraid that we didn't quite know what we were doing at times when parenting you... (you were right)

Life seemed a little worry some with Mommy and Daddy at the wheel...

But you kept growing and persevering, which is exactly what Filharts are made of...

So here is my Dear Mia second birthday letter:

Dear Mia,

Now that you're two, you're becoming quite the lady. You are 34 1/2 inches tall, you weigh 23 pounds, your hair is sun-kissed carmel, and your eyes are the deepest chocolate brown. You are a busy little girl whenever you're awake. The first thing you say in the morning when we come in to see you is "mornin!" You are happy, cheerful, and you are happiest when mommy and daddy are right beside you. When we work on our colors, you think that everything is "yellow," and when we work on our numbers, you think that every number is "2." Your favorite games are when mommy or daddy can participate in some way. You are a very methodical and diligent little worker when you're playing. You are focused and patient, even though at times, you may get a little frustrated and look to mommy or daddy for help. You love to color, especially with daddy's dry erase markers on his study desk where he can hold you and help you. You will stand at the coffee table and color in your coloring books all day if I let you.

You have recently started to love movies. Your favorite movies are Mary Poppins, The Santa Clause 1 & 2, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Summer Magic, and all the Dora mommy will let you watch. You love to try to dance and sing along with the musicals, and you're getting really good at jumping!

You can climb stairs like a pro, you love to dance with mommy and daddy, and you love to be flipped around and tossed in the air. I think you and daddy will have a lot of fun on roller coasters together when you get older.

Feeding the chickens at our house is one of your favorite things to do. Whenever we walk down to the car you look for the chicks and yell, "Cuck...cuck!!!" You aren't afraid of them and will try to walk right up to them like they are your friends.

As the airplanes screech over our house everyday, you always look at me with your hand pointed in the sky yelling, "Airpane, airpane!" Maybe you'll be a pilot or flight attendant when you grow up.

You are talking so much. Here are some of the words you like to say:

Mommy

Daddy

Airpane

Cuck (cluck)

book

cookie!

jue (juice)

ilk (milk)

flowa (flower)

shoes

dress

hair

eye

no (nose)

elbow

knee

back

backpack

Dora

cow

moo

puppy!

boy

girl

baboo (baby)

burr (bird)

bye

hi

hello

ball

pee-bo-boo (peek-a-boo)

yum-my

all done

more

goodnight

oh man!

uh-oh!

daddy toot?

apple

pease? (please)

Those are probably your favorite words that you say everyday. You are a good listener...most of the time. You do have an opinionated streak that tempts you to do what you want rather than what mommy and daddy want especially when it is something fun or daring. You aren't afraid to use the fingernails that you inherited from your mommy to defend yourself against your friends if you feel the need to do so. We're trying to work on that.

I can already tell you're going to be the best big sister. Whenever I ask you, "Where's the baby?" you come over and kiss my belly. No one taught you that...you decided to kiss my belly one day when I asked you that, and that is what you do every time now. You also say "girl" after you kiss my belly. Do you know something we don't?

You do not like time-out, and all we usually have to say when you need to calm down is "Do you need a time out?" and you usually will snap out of it and obey.

Daddy's favorite thing about you is that you like to take care of people. Every morning when Daddy is getting ready for school, you go and find his shoes, his backpack, and try to make him put on his bike helmet...even if he isn't riding his bike that day. You love to help mommy with the dishes, clean up your toys, and find little ways to help around the house like sweeping with the big broom.

Over the last two years Mia, you have taught Mommy and Daddy more about what it means to love unconditionally than we have ever learned before having you. You are special to us because you are our first born little one. You made me a Mommy and Daddy a Daddy. For that and so many more special reasons, we love you forever little Mimi. Happy second Birthday!

Love,

Mommy and Daddy