Baby #3 Turns 2!

This is shortly after your first birthday. You look so little!

Me and you just before Christmas. You had 5 teeth and it was right around this time you started to do your "cheese" smile.

Here you are. 2 years old. Beautiful girl.

Dear Evie,

Happy Birthday sweet girl. I sit here and have mixed emotions. I look at you and am filled with happiness and then, a wave of sadness comes. I wish it wouldn't. I start to think of all of your firsts and for me there are a lot of lasts. You are a kid that is making them count though! You keep us so busy. Everyday a new bit of sparkling personality peeks through and I am amazed at the little person you have become.

• We affectionately call you many names...#3, Stinky, Eve-ers and Monster. You have been our Monster for quite a while now. So long, in fact, that you even answer when you hear us calling you by that name. You are into everything and tend to destroy anything you come in contact with. You are also a climber, so setting things on counters doesn't even stop you. Inside, outside, upside-down...you will get to whatever it is you want.
• You are stubborn. One of your best qualities. You get it from me, unfortunately, but if used correctly, it can be an asset. Because of this, you get into trouble now and then. If Daddy or I has to raise our voice at you or put you in a time out, once it is over, you need affection. This usually comes in the form of a hug from one of your sisters. You walk over to one of them with your arms out saying "Hug. Hug. Hug!" And both are happy to oblige. 
• You have a way of melting peoples hearts. I think this is because of your eyes. You have amazing eyes. They are gorgeous and full of personality. The outer part is dark blue, but the middle, by your pupil, is gold. When we are outside in the sun, looking into your eyes is one of the most beautiful things in this world. 
• You are starting to say so many words. And just in the last week you have started to string together 2 and 3 words at a time. Some of your favorites: squeezie (one of your favorite foods), book, brush teeth, potty, icky, beeper, thank you, bless you, uh-huh, hand, Momma walk, outside, and many more. This is not to mention all the peoples names that you know and remember. I think my favorite though is our neighbor, Greg. You love Greg and when you want to see him you ask for "Wig."
• You transitioned into a twin bed around 19 months old and did amazing. The only thing that has not gone so well is the fact that you only sleep until 5:30 am. That is early, little girl.
• You cannot smile yet. See the third photo above. I think I remember Natalie going though a phase where she smiled like that too. It's so funny! You don't mind being in front of the camera; in fact, when you see someone has a camera and happens to be pointing it in your direction, you make that face just in case they want to take a picture of you. 
• You make all these funny sounds and do all these hilarious gestures. For a while when you wanted to eat, you would make this funny sound with your mouth like you were sucking in your cheeks. That meant you were hungry and wanted food. When you get excited, you scream and say a bunch of nonsense words while rotating each arm into the air Michael Jackson "Thriller" style and run in place. You have this funny high stepper run and a squat walk that make me laugh out loud every time I see it. 
• You love playing with your sisters and you are the first one to tell them that you don't what them to tell you what to do. You have your own ideas and won't be pushed around by them simply because they are older then you. 

This year, I am going to work really hard on focusing on all the amazing things you will do and not so much on the fact that I won't get to experience them with another baby. I am so blessed to have all that I do and when I look at you, that is what I need to remember. Even though you are my third child, you show me new things every day. You are an extraordinary little lady Evie. I love you so much. Happy Birthday my sweet darling. 

Love,

Mommy.