Happy Birthday Annabel!!!

Oh, sweet Anna/Pickle.  Where to even begin.  You turn two today.  And I can already picture you as a teenager :)  I am so blessed to have you as my daughter.  You and your brother are my world, and I just can't get enough of you.  I still cuddle you before bedtime (and in the middle of the night when you wake up yelling Mommy!  Mommy!) and we rock and rock and you lay your head on my shoulder like you did when you were a little baby.  I won't ever get tired of that, although I know the day will come when you will.  I try to remember that this time is short and to enjoy it, even when I wish you'd just let me go to sleep.

This time is so special too because you and Dex can actually PLAY together.  You adore your brother.  I pick you up from your school and the first thing you say is "See Dex?"  Then we go to the car and he's there waiting for us, and you wave your little hands at him and say "Hey Dex!"  You cried in church just the other day because you wanted to go to Kids Crossing with him and you weren't old enough.  Breaks my heart when I have to separate you in times like that.  When Dex goes to play at the neighbors, you always see him go, and still always ask "Where Dex go?" and will lay your head against me and say "Okay" in your sad little voice.

You are such a light in our world.  You are hot and cold, which is such a difference from Dex at your age.  You are definitely your own person, and I'm learning how to deal with that, just like I am still learning how to deal with Dex :)  I feel like as you grow you will just continue to love more fiercely and passionately and I can't wait to see you take this world by the ... horns :)  It will be a challenge for me, surely, since this is not really my personality, but I will always be here to support you and help you and guide you the best way I know how.

Always remember how much you are loved and protected.  That brother of yours will fight for you in ways that your Daddy and I can't, I know it ;)  We love you forever and always and Dex loves you "all the way around the world, around the moon, and ALLLLLLLLL around space!"

We are excited to enjoy a day of celebrating YOU!  xoxoxoxoxo - Mommy