Dear Charlie,

Happy Birthday Charlie! We can't believe you are two today. What an adventure the last two years have been. You have totally turned our world upside down in the most wonderful way. It is so hard to imagine you were ever this small! Then all of a sudden you were one and we couldn't believe a year had flown by. We should have known how fast two would come. The last year has been so fun. I know they say toddlers are hard but it has been my favorite stage so far. Even when you are a little defiant! Like in this picture, where you refused to look at the camera and fell off the chair dramatically like I was torturing you. But at least I got one picture of you in your birthday shirt. We have been so blessed by you these last two years. Your mom and dad just think you are so amazing. We love your chubby face, your outgoing personality, your hilarious phrases like "work it mommy", your flair for the dramatic, the funny 4-5 word sentences you just started saying (like Daddy, where arrrrreeeee you??????), your hilarious laugh, the sweet way you love your sister and never want to leave her behind, how much you love to play outside no matter the weather, how you cautiously stay close when we are out of the house and your adventurous spirit and willingness to try anything. We love about a million other things about you also but those are the first things that come to mind.

We thank the Lord every day that you are the little boy he gave us to enjoy. We pray every day that you will know Jesus and that we will be good parents and teach you well. We pray for your health, your strength and your heart. We can't wait to see you grow up and see the man you become. Thank you for being our sweet little boy for now. We are cherishing these moments when you are small because we know they won't last long enough.

Okay Charlie, your mama is crying now. Time to go check on you in bed and sneak you a kiss!