From Mommy...

Once again, I find myself wondering... Where did the year go? So quickly, too quickly, I have watched as my beautiful babies have turned into their own little people. I have watched their personalities become stronger, each very different and absolutely perfect in every way. Just when I think I can not possibly love them any more than I already do, my heart gets a little more full.

The emotions that hit you when you have your own babies are none like any other. I am so in love and wouldn't change one thing about this crazy, chaotic ride called Motherhood.

For my babies...

Dear Tanner,

My little buddy... my how you have grown over the past year. I look back at pictures of you after you were born and think where did this strong, independent little man come from. While you still have the sweetest little voice and smile that lights up the room, you have learned to take up for yourself and stand your ground for things that really matter to you. You have the biggest heart and you don't hesitate to show it giving random hugs and kisses to me, Daddy, Ella and Gianni just because the moment felt right to you.

We call you ''The Little Engineer'... You are simply amazing to watch as you build with your blocks. Creating new things, some of the same things, and always running over to show me with such excitement in your eyes. You love wearing random items on your head, from pants to pancakes, you know exactly how to make me smile. You are still stubborn as ever and you don't hesitate to throw a tantrum here and there (screaming or silent, depending on your mood). I guess you could say, you wear your emotions on your sleeve... And I love you for that. I know you will always be honest with me, whether I want to hear it or not.

No matter how the next year challenges me, challenges us, as you develop even more into your own little person... I will be here to guide and encourage you the whole way. I am and always will be your biggest fan.

Happy 2nd birthday Tanner... I love you.
Mommy


Dear Gianni,

My mommy's boy. I've always heard about this type of love but until you experience it for yourself, you never truly understand. To see your face when I walk into a room, how you light up and hug me like it's been days since you last saw me... To watch as you look for me when you're upset and need me to let you know everything is alright... my heart is overwhelmed.

You are still the most playful little man-wrestling, running, riding, throwing, jumping, laughing. When it comes to toys, you are up for anything... Especially if it means Ella or Tanner is going to chase you for it. That ornery smile is going to get you in so much trouble and, in return, it is going to get a lot of little girls in trouble too. 'A lover not a fighter' is what I tell your Daddy. Don't worry, you have your moments too, short fused and bullheaded... but always finishing with a big smile on your face.

I know someday it will break my heart to watch you love someone else as much as you love me. So, for now and many, many years to come... I will enjoy every moment of my little Momma's boy, loving you unconditionally now and always.

Happy 2nd birthday Gianni... I love you.
Mommy


Dear Ella,

Miss Ella. My Miss Ella. "There's nothing like a baby girl." No truer words were ever spoken. Just when I think that personality could not possibly get any bigger, you go right ahead and prove me wrong. Loving you is like breathing... It is one of the most natural things I have ever felt.

You are so motherly and independent... caring for your brothers, making sure they always have what they need and rubbing their heads and exclaiming, 'it's ok' when they are upset. You are strong and sensitive, holding on to me for comfort and support when something or someone makes you nervous. You are always anxious to learn something new, whether it be from watching me around the house to reading about it in a new book. I am so proud of you and I know I always will be. Sure you will make mistakes, that is what life is all about but someday, just like me, you will sit down and say, "Mom, now I get it."

Ella, you have brought this little extra twinkle to my life. We already have this special bond that I thought would take years to develop. "My mommy!" you always tell Daddy... and you couldn't be more right. I am here for you always my little love.

Happy 2nd birthday... I love you.
Mommy