Happy 2nd Birthday, Saylor!

My sweet girl,

Yesterday, you turned 2. We had an Elmo party and you wore a darling Sesame Street dress. You smiled and laughed and had a wonderful time. I loved watching you play. I loved all the people being at our house to celebrate your little life. It was a happy birthday, indeed.

2 years ago, they handed you to me at 6:35 pm, and I was sure right then my heart would explode. What I didn't know was that I love you even more today than I did on that day, and what I now know, is I will love you even more tomorrow than I do today. These past 2 years have been the best years of my life. You have taught me how to be a mommy. How to love. How to laugh. How to play. How to wipe away the tears and kiss little booboo's. How to snuggle and rock, sing songs, and say little toddler prayers.

You are so precious to me. You are my girl, SaySay. I love every day I have with you. I love how much you talk and that when we sit at chick-fil-a (our favorite!) together, you carry on a little conversation with me now. I love that you pretend. That you love to color and are happiest when you are outside playing. I love your timidness and your tender little heart. You are quite the scaredy cat, which is why we call you "cautious annie." You are also a firecracker, which is why we call you "pistol annie." You have quite the opinion to be 2 years old... so when you are 15 and have quite the opinion, you and I are going to sit down and read this letter together, and remember how cute it was at 2 :)! Ha!

You became a big sister this year and have me so very proud. You have loved your little brother from day one, and love to take care of him and make him laugh. I hope you 2 are always as close as you are now!

You started preschool this year. I thought you weren't going to like it, and boy was I wrong. You walked right in, said "bye bye, mommy!" I cried after I left just knowing how much I was going to miss my girl those 2 mornings a week you'd be at school. We've had a few tough days here and there, but for the most part you have a great time and are learning so much! I love the artwork you bring home to me and all the songs you are learning.

Some of your current favorites:
Food: Cereal
Favorite thing to do outside: Swing or ride in sissy's jeep
Drink: Milk
Toy: Baby dolls
Book: Goodnight Moon ("night night moon")
           The Napping House
           Do You Know How Much I Love You

You are growing so fast, Say. I am trying my very best to soak in every precious moment of your little life. I don't want to miss a single thing. I pray that you will always know how much your Daddy and I love you. I pray that you will have big dreams and are not afraid of failure. I pray that you will love hard and deep. That even though you may stumble, you get back up and hold your head high. I pray that you will learn the value of true friendships, the importance of family, and the joy of living in the moment. I pray that we will provide a solid foundation for you and still give you the freedom to make your own choices and know you always have a safe place to land. And most importantly, I pray for your heart. That your heart will know the love of our Savior. That you will walk this life with Jesus as your guide. That you will let faith lead you and not be afraid. That although I feel quite sure that no one can love you as much as your Daddy and I, our Jesus loves you even more that. Such a gift we were given.

And you are my gift, little love. You stole my heart 2 years ago and continue to melt it each day. I love you darling. Thank you for the joy you have brought me. I will love you forever. You are smart. You are beautiful. You are loved. Happy Birthday, sweet angel.

Mommy