To Keegan on Your Second Birthday

Dear Keegan,

Happy Birthday little man (I'm only a day late in getting this written...that's pretty good for your mommy)! I can hardly believe that you are already two years old. I still remember everything about the day that you were born like it happened yesterday. You continue to amaze me daily...just like you amazed me the day that you were born. I can't believe how much you have grown in the last year. It really is fascinating to see what a difference just one little year can make. Please slow down a little. I really want to enjoy this time in your life and you are quickly becoming such a little man and shedding your babyhood and it really just makes me want to cry. My favorite time of day is when you come running down the hall after your nap, arms laden with all of your possessions (or at least the ones that you have decided to carry around for the day) and you have the biggest smile on your face as you tell me that you are awake.

You seem to be growing by leaps and bounds. I looked at you this morning as we were getting ready to go to the doctor's and searched your little face and tried so hard to see the little baby that you just were and I could hardly find any trace of him. Last year you were walking...this year you are running, hopping, skipping and jumping your way through life. You are so much like me and so much like your dad and yet you still manage to be so much of your own little person. You are independent and stubborn and willful and adamant about the things that you want. You have your own schedule and know exactly what you are ready for. You are fearless now, willing to try anything that your dad and I expose you too. Your current favorite words are "bus" and "firefighter" and "vroom vroom vroom" for motorcycles/dirt bikes, scooters and snowmobiles. You are soaking up sign language like a little sponge and you are making it hard on your dad and I to keep up with you and all that you have learned. You love to be outside helping your dad in the yard, and you are so willing to help with the sweeping and the vacuuming around the house.

You are a fantastic older brother. I love watching you turn around in the shopping cart as we walk through Target and hearing your brother laughing at all that you do to keep him entertained and happy. I love to watch his face light up when you walk into the room. It shows just how much he loves you and already looks up to you as an example in his life. I love that you show concern for him when he is crying and that you let me know "Mama, baby cry" and that you go to him and rub his head and tell him that it's "otay baby." Thank you for being such a great older brother....Camden is so lucky to have you.

You are hope for a better and brighter and more fulfilling future. You are "Mi Mouse" and "Einsteins" and "Nining Time" in the mornings with puppy and snuggles and your cup of milk. You are a little mover and shaker whenever music comes on that seems to "speak" to you and makes you just have to dance (even when we are in the middle of Sports Authority looking for cold weather gear to bundle you up in). You are shaggy blonde hair and big, brilliant blue eyes. You are smiles and loves and hugs just because you can give them and you know how much your mommy and daddy and brother love getting them. You are animal sounds and animal signs. You are in your "big boy" bed and you fight with all your might when it comes to going to bed and yet you are so willing to take your nap in the afternoon. You are endless rides around the block on your bike, or your daddy's skateboard with your helmet on. You are pockets stuffed full of countless treasures and keys in hand ready to go out and face the world head on. You are cuddles on the couch (or the floor or your bed) and books pulled off the shelves and read over and over and over again. You are hymns sung in your own way (and at your own volume) during church and a solid "Amen" at the end of every prayer. You are smiles and "cheese's" for the camera. You are hats put on backward and "cool dudes" put on upside down (until you remember to turn them "round"). You are "just one more" when it comes to just about anything that you love (like candy and t.v. and books and time in the bath). You are serious and stoic and silly and at times you seem so much older than you actually are. You are the occasional temper tantrum and rolled eyes when I ask you to do something that you don't want to do. You are a quiet "tarry" whispered when you know that you have done something wrong. You are a little hand placed so confidently in my own, as if you know that I would give my life to keep you safe from all that is negative in this world. You are laughter and giggles and snorts and smashed bugs and just pure "boy" and you are the joy and light of my life.

Continue to challenge me...and continue to trust in me. Please stay fearless and compassionate and loving and generous and stubborn and willful. Continue to know what you want out of this life and never be afraid to go after it. There is so much that I want for you in this life and I'm going to do all that I can to make sure you get it. I love you, little man. Happy Birthday!!!

Love,
Mommy