Two

Sweet Evan,

Just two years ago in the wee hours on a cool September morning I woke to a little surprise. I gently nudged your dad and whispered, "I think we need to go to the hospital". This same thing had happened just 4 days before, so I'm not sure he really believed me!

We arrived at the hospital before 6am and called Granny to let her know you were on your way. The rest of the day Mommy and Daddy relaxed, watched movies and anticipated holding you for the first time. When Dr. Turner visited at 3:30 she told us that time had come...twenty minutes later we were counting your fingers and toes.

It sounds silly because I'm sure lots of mommies and daddies tell their babies the same thing; it was the best day of our lives. It was perfect and calm and relaxed. You were healthy and pink and screaming.

I could never have imagined where we would be two years later. Of course I knew you would grow but I had no idea how you would look as a little boy or what your little personality would be. You're one-of-a-kind...

I'll wake you up in a few minutes and you'll point to the light and fan and tell me, "on". We'll head downstairs and you'll find your chair in front of the TV and you'll point and say, "TT". I'll pour milk into your cup and bring it to you and you'll give me your first big grin of the day and maybe a little, "tanks"!

Today I'll ask you questions like, "Evan ,would you like to have waffles or toast?" and you'll say, "toes" or "Are you done eating?" to which you'll sign and say "ah duhn". When it's time to put on your shoes you'll run as far away from me as the room allows - usually into the corner of the kitchen - and exclaim, "NO!".

We might talk about colors and you'll name a few; boo, wed, puhpul and geen.

I'll ask you to find Daddy or Paw Paw and you'll walk through the house calling, "DA-DAAA" and "PAW PAWWW". For whatever reason we can't get you call for Mama or Granny...

If we play today you'll most enjoy filling your pail with "sand" in your new "sand box", coloring, or whipping up some burgers and fries at your McDonald's Drive Thru. We'll repeat the "letter game" at least a few times and you'll sing your "ABC's".

You'll run and climb and jump and flip...all your favorite activities.

You'll grin, and laugh and spin around happily in circles.

You'll also get upset today when you don't get your way. You'll run full-force away from mommy and dramatically throw yourself to the floor while screaming. You might even throw a toy or two! And that might get you a "time out"...

Tonight we'll have bath time and you'll stack your cups in order as I tell you what color comes next. Mommy will give you your gummy bear vitamin and you'll get upset because you want another one. I'll try to help you brush your teeth but you'll take the toothbrush from me to do it yourself. Only after I sweetly beg you will you turn it back over to mommy. When I ask you what book you would like to read you'll probably choose, The Brightest Star, a book about the story of Christmas. Just after we turn out the light to sing songs you'll point to your crib to signal that you want me to grab your pillow, stuffed frog, blanket and woobie for song time. There mommy will be in the rocker with you and all your favorite things. We'll sing our songs together and Daddy will come in to kiss you and tuck you in. Tomorrow we'll do it all again.

Little Evan, you truly are an amazing little guy. You make us laugh and - sometimes - want to take a time out ourselves! You have a sweet personality - you're outgoing and friendly, always saying hi and bye-bye to others you pass during the day. You're dramatic and independent and you know what you want. Mommy and Daddy love it all and don't know how we ever lived without you.

Happy Birthday, big boy. May you continue to grow and learn and be happy. We love you more than you could know...

I hear you calling from your crib now...

Love, Mommy and Daddy