Over a Year Ago...

Over a year ago was your first birthday. That was the last time I wrote to you here, Cordy. You have been such a busy bee, growing fast and strong. We didn't miss you, just writing about you.

You are two now! This is the fourth calendar year that you've been able to live in, and 2014 is going to have some very big changes. You've already done so much growing. Last we wrote, you were 366 days old, crawling, standing up by yourself, saying a few words, and starting to feed yourself. Now you can walk, run, dance, jump (...almost), talk up a storm, and SING! Tonight you made a pretend birthday party while you were playing in the tub. The stopper was the cake (whose candle you blew out), the shovel was the spoon, and the tub rail was the table. You sang "Happy birthday to you" to yourself after you blew out the candle. Maybe it's because you remember going to Disney World and singing Happy Birthday and blowing out a candle.

We are so proud of how strong you are becoming: using the potty, mastering self-control in tricky situations, learning new things, working hard to obey the rules that keep you safe, and showing your beautiful manners. Today we played in the rain. I chased you in the back yard. You made mud, picked flowers, and explored the rain barrels. You are such a treat to know and love.

And, you're beautiful. There's no doubt about that-- your blue eyes and cheerful smile make people have to smile back. The best part about your beauty is that it shines from the inside out. Your heart is kind and loving, and we continue to pray that you will always love first.

Happy New Year, Big Girl!!!!!