ANDIE IS TWO

Here we are again and I’m not quite sure how. This one felt quick. The days are really starting to roll together (no matter how hard I cling onto them), and the weeks are becoming years. Two years of you Andie girl, and life is like a fairytale.

We didn’t know what we were having, but as soon as the doctor laid you on my chest and told me you were a girl, everything in my life made sense. Two little girls. I remember looking at you, in awe of the sight of a new baby girl, but still so sure about you. Deep in my bones, I’ve always felt how much you’re mine. There’s always been something about you that’s so familiar; it exists in that look in your eyes.

It’s the same look that houses your fierce sense of independence. There’s no convincing you to do anything you’re not ready to do, and there’s no talking you out of something you’ve set your mind to. You came into this world on your own terms, and have lived everyday of your life the same way. I respect it so much. You are so strong willed and determined to do everything your sister can do. You’ll wade into the waves, climb the pillow fort, launch yourself down a slide, stand at the edge of a ledge (or on the dining room table)… and all without any fear.

You’re not afraid of a mess either, instead you’re somewhat drawn to the chaos. Sometimes you are the chaos. Whether it’s jumping into a pile of pillows on your sisters bed, or dunking your head upside down in the waves at beach, or putting maple syrup on your cheeks like it’s moisturizer.

You’re also the strong one, having endured every cold and flu virus known to man without ever even missing so much as a nap’s worth of sleep over any of it. If there’s one thing consistent about you, it’s that you love your sleep. Even as a baby, in the middle of the night, you’d be back asleep before you even finished nursing. I’d always hold you a minute longer, in awe of the sight of you in dreamland.

And under all those fantastic character layers, exists the biggest heart. If someone in the other room sneezes, you immediately holler “You okay!?” If anyone gets a boo-boo, you kiss it better. You still love to snuggle, with a paci in that juicy mouth, your arms wrapped around me, and your body flat against my chest. As close as you can be. Under all that bravery and independence, still exists my littlest baby.

I want you to know that I savour it all. Rocking you to sleep to Elvis songs, laughing about the apples at the grocery store, reading your Elmo book, tickling your feet with your hairbrush, kissing that spot on your cheek. You’ve taught me a love that I can’t describe, and my heart is forever yours, my Andie girl. I know, with certainty, that you’re going to move mountains. Just know that no matter how far you run, how high you climb, or how brave you are… I’ll always be right here ready for that snuggle.

We love you so much, Andie darling. Happy 2nd birthday!