Happy Birthday!

All children, except one, grow up. They soon know that they will grow up, and the way Wendy knew was this. One day when she was two years old she was playing in a garden, and she plucked another flower and ran with it to her mother. I suppose she must have looked rather delightful, for Mrs. Darling put her hand to her heart and cried, "Oh, why can't you remain like this for ever!" This was all that passed between them on the subject, but henceforth Wendy knew that she must grow up. You always know after you are two. Two is the beginning of the end.

-- J. M Barrie Peter Pan

Yes, she must grow up, and two is just the beginning!

Oh how you have changed this year, Eva Grace. You've grown from a baby to a sweet, sweet little girl. As much as you changed during your first year, we think you've changed even more this year. You worked so hard to learn to crawl and then walk and have loved all of the freedom of going just about anywhere you want. You are so curious and surely keep us on our toes--you get into EVERYTHING; you have figured out how to open most bottles and containers and doors and drawers and you know how to turn on the water in the tub and do it as soon as we mention anything about bathtime. Your natural curiosity goes hand in hand with your love of the outdoors. Rocks and sticks are some of your favorite playthings and you truly love to be outside and are not afraid of getting dirty.

You are such a loving little girl; you give the best "big hugs" and "nose nibbles." You are just as kind to your dolls and stuffed animals. It is so much fun to watch you play with them and feed them and have tea with them. Your imagination is incredible--just a few days ago you had a piece of food and called it a horse and made it neigh and walk across the table!! You love to sing and dance and know lots of songs. You like to sing in the car, no matter how long or short the drive is. We are so glad you like to ride in the car and go to new places.

You constantly amaze us at the words you know and use correctly. You still enjoy looking at books and let us know if we pick the wrong one at bedtime--you'll hop off our lap and go pick a different one! You are so much fun to be with and you make our world so bright.


As much as we'd like you to stay this little forever, that's only a small part, because if you are this amazing right now at two, we can only imagine the beautiful, amazing person you are sure to grow into. We are so honored and blessed to be your mommy and daddy.

Happy birthday, Sweet Eva Grace.

We love you!