Year Two

Dear Finn,

Happy 2nd Birthday! It's hard to believe that another year has passed already. This has been a great year, for both of us, and I have thoroughly enjoyed watching you grow and change. Whereas the first year was all about the learning curve (mainly for me), and believe me it was a steep curve, the past year has been all about having fun. Once I learned to relax, I started to realize how much fun it was being a mom--especially your mom. So much has happened this year and there is no way I can capture it all, but I hope to hit some of the high points, at least some of the ones that stand out most in my mind.

Seems so long ago. My one year old--chiclet teeth and all!

This year you really came into your own. It has been so amazing to watch your personality develop. You discovered your love for the arts--painting, drawing, but mostly singing. Any time you would hear children's voices, you would stop and go find the source of the singing. You even have your own playlist on my ipod. Your favorite part of storytime is the music. Your favorite song changes frequently, but you really like I'm Yours by Jason Mraz. It just melts my heart to hear you sing--ABCs, Itsy-Bitsy Spider, Twinkle Twinkle Little Star--you know all of the words by heart.

You love being outside, rain or shine, wind and especially snow. The playground is probably your favorite spot, but really you are happy just being outside. Picking up rocks, acorns, sticks, leaves, playing with Lily, it doesn't matter what you are doing, if you are doing it outside, you are a happy camper.

You love your daddy and he ADORES you. It makes me melt when you hear his key turn in the door and take off running. Your favorite daddy/son activity was walking down to the 7-Eleven to get icees and peanut butter m&m's. There are so many kids who don't get to spend as much time with their dads as you do. Your dad gets down in the floor with you to build towers and play trains and he gives you a bath almost every single night. He even lets you (and me) go on business trips with him so that he won't have to be away from you for very long. You may not appreciate this now, but one day you will and you will realize just how lucky you are.

You had your first beach vacation this summer with the Young's. This is probably one of my favorite memories of this past year--watching you explore the sand and swim in the ocean. While some babies may be terrified of the waves, you wanted more.

It has been amazing to watch you develop such close relationships with your extended family. I was so worried that because we live so far away from everyone that you wouldn't get to know them and they wouldn't be part of your life. But, we have made it a huge priority to take you down south as often as possible so you can spend time with your Big and Baa and Mimi and Bop and cousins. It is so funny to see you get so excited to talk to them on the phone and especially see them in person. Of course, you are treated like a little Prince, but I guess that's what grandparents are for. We are all very blessed to have them in our life, and especially in your life.

There is a verse in the Bible that says "Make a joyful noise . . ." and to me that really captures the essence of who you are at this stage in your life. You are so very joyful (and sometimes, quite noisy) and your joy is infectious. I hope you never lose that ability to find the joy in every little thing--even the mundane things like taking a bath or sitting in a bucket.

You started off the year taking a few cautious steps and you never looked back. Walking turned to running turned to jumping and swinging. One of your favorite things to do is to climb up on the ottoman and hurl yourself onto the couch--whether it is 6 inches away or 6 feet away. You have no fear.

This year was big for us in many ways but one of the biggest changes was moving from New Jersey to Washington, DC. You made the transition as seamless as possible and I think we are both enjoying life in the big city. You make friends where ever you are--the playground, the library, Trader Joe's, the sidewalk and yes, even the White House.

I really cannot talk about this year without mentioning the thing that has had the biggest impact on ALL of our lives--the day you found your voice. I remember back in the early part of the year when your dad said "I can't wait for Finn to start talking." Well, we didn't have to wait long because once you started talking . . . well, you haven't stopped talking. Every day I look forward to just hearing what comes out of your mouth. You are so smart and so well spoken, especially for a two year old. You repeat everything we say, which is good and also not so good. You are a man of many words and I can't wait to hear what will come out of your mouth next (as long as it isn't N-O).

At the beginning of the year, I never thought it would be possible for you to sit through a television show--even a short one. Your attention span was nil. But once again you proved me wrong and a love affair with all things Curious George was born. You won't sit still for much, but for a 15 minute episode you are captivated by Curious George. It tickles me how much you are like Curious George--such a good little monkey, but always VERY CURIOUS.

And here we are again, another birthday has come and gone. I am so thankful for you and I am so proud of you--all of the things you have accomplished thus far and all of those things you will continue to accomplish in the year ahead, but mainly for just being you and for being my baby. I anxiously await 2010 and all of the surprises, and yes challenges, that are in store for us.

I love you to the moon . . . and back,

Mama