Happy 2nd Birthday, Gusta!!

Dear Gusta-bear,

You are a big two-year-old today! You are getting to be such a big girl. Two years ago today, I could never have imagined what you would be like today. And here you are - absolutely perfect! We have had quite another year together. Here are some highlights.

Literally the day after your birthday last year, we moved back to our hometown. We have loved living close to all of your grandparents and some of your great-grand-parents and aunts and uncles. Mommy and Daddy had bought a house last Spring, so we settled right in. I had your room painted pink, since I didn't get to paint your nursery in the apartment.

We celebrated the 4th of July, and it was so nice to drive only 20 minutes to the parade instead of 3 and a half hours! But on July 7, we got some sad news when we found out that we had lost your baby brother or sister. We happened to be on our way to the beach when this happened, so we took you and made the best of it. You were hugged and loved on like never before, and you were about the only one who could make us feel truly happy during those early days. We played with you and had the best time we could have on our vacation and then settled back into our house.

Life went on, and you grew so fast. On your 15 month birthday, you took your first steps. You were not in a hurry to walk, and were perfectly content to crawl wherever you needed to go. Mommy was glad when you started walking, though, because I didn't want your knees to get scraped up. You immediately learned how to bypass the stair gate, which made for a pretty funny blog entry and some cute pictures. We joined a Kindermusik class, which you absolutely loved. Very early on, you started patting your hands to the beat of the music, and dancing whenever you heard a song.

For Halloween, you were a Ladybug - the cutest little ladybug ever! We went to a pizza party in our neighborhood, and showed you off to a few neighbors. You had way more fun sitting on our porch stairs and passing out candy. You gradually started saying more words and learned how to make the "love, love" sign.

In the Fall, we also discovered that you are quite a sports buff. You love any type of "ball" and cheered enthusiastically for your Uncle Cleve on the football field, and later, on the baseball field. You learned to say "hit" and "catch" and even cheered to basketball teams on TV at restaurants. Sometimes the bartenders would get in your way, and you would quickly let them know they needed to move aside so you could see "ball."

We had a great Thanksgiving and Christmas, again without having to travel very far. We spent Christmas Eve with Mimi and Pa, and both sides of the family came to our house for Christmas morning so they could see you react to Santa's presents. Uncle Cleve had taught you to say the word "poop" and make a sign for it, and you had the funniest way of saying that word and making your sign every time you saw him. As we all eagerly awaited your reaction to Christmas morning, wouldn't you know that the first person you saw was Cleve.... and your first reaction was "poop" with a laugh and a sign. We have this on tape to embarrass you with during your teenage years :) We spent the rest of Christmas Day in your daddy's hometown with his side of the family. You had a blast playing with your new presents with your cousins.

We found out right after Christmas that you would be getting a new brother or sister a couple of months after your second birthday. Winter was a little long this year - Mommy was sick for most of it, and didn't tolerate the cold very well. It didn't help that we now live near the mountains instead of hot, Augusta, like I'd become accustomed to for the last 3 years. Just when the weather started getting a little warmer, it rained constantly.

So we kept ourselves entertained with movies and indoor toys and play dates. You started saying little phrases, such as "more please" and got very good at saying "day-doo" ("thank-you"). Mommy and Daddy came up with a little game that we like to play with you. We say, "I love you, do you love me?" You think it's so funny to scrunch your nose up and snort, instead of saying "yes," so we tickle you and say, "You'd better say you love me." We all love this game. Over the last month or so, you've started to say complete sentences. One you say often is "I want to watch..." or "I like/love..." You love the movies Finding Nemo and Cars, and enjoy the TV shows Super WHY and "Melmo" ("Elmo"). You are finally starting to attempt the alphabet and some counting, and you are starting to sing along to songs you hear a lot. You do the cutest little motions to "I Caught Myself a Baby Bumblebee,"and you also recognize the letters "T" and "O." I think you're starting to catch on to your colors. For a little while, everything was "bue" ("blue") according to you, but you're starting to learn purple, pink, red, and white now.

You are a little fish for sure! You love going to the pool, and we go almost every day. You have no fear of putting your face in the water, and try to drink the pool water when you think we're not looking. You're learning how to use your floaties and can keep yourself up for about 15-30 seconds. I think we're quickly approaching the "terrible twos" :) You are delightful, but you have strong opinions and are starting to throw real tantrums when you don't get your way.

We've been telling you for a couple of months about your baby sister who is on the way. I thought you were really understanding things when you pointed to my belly and said "baby" a few times. But not long after that, you pointed to Daddy's tummy and said "baby." You'll get things figured out soon enough, like it or not :) You correctly say that the baby's name is "Abby" when asked, and you are so sweet when you give the baby a kiss.

This year, we're going to have a Finding Nemo birthday party for you. Lots of family and friends are planning to come, and we will have pizza, cake, and water fun here at our house. I love watching you grow and learn new things, and I know it will be all too soon before you are a really, really big girl and off in college or something.

I am so lucky to be your Mommy! God gave me such a special gift two years ago today, and I thank Him every day for you. I love you, sweet angel.

Happy Birthday,
Mommy