Today my baby turns 2 years old. Sorry for the scuzzy phone pictures, my laptop is in our van coming back from Disney. 

Eden Rose,

Happy birthday, my ringlet baby. You are talking like crazy, so easy to smile, and an “up, please,” “hold me” kind of baby. You want to do everything your sisters do with a “me too, me too!” Your laugh is contagious and your cry absolutely breaks my heart. Oh and the way you snuggle in close, Eden, and say, “Mommy pet hair,” so I’ll stroke your hair while you fall asleep… Eden Rose, you are a sheer blessing. 

So much has changed in the past month as you’ve watched all our normals get packed away into boxes and a truck. And while we know those things are going to Mozambique, to you those things are forever gone and you won’t remember them whe we see them again. 

Thank you for trusting Mommy and Daddy. Yes, we will hold you extra. No, we’re not leaving too. And yes, singing puppy will not be put into a box. Puppy’s coming. 

We’re sorry that the kitties are gone and yes, baby, Mommy misses “kitty Piper, Kitty Pounce and kitty Pipsqeat” too. But blankey and Mommy and Daddy and Rachael and Abi and even “Nana’s” arms are still here to give you hugs every day. 

Your second birthday is a little confusing. We don’t usually live at grandma and grandpa’s house. But still you run about joyfully playing with the familiar toys. 

Baby, we adore you and we’re so blessed that your bright smile is still just as luminous amidst all this change. 

Your hair is bleaching out from the sun and your vocabulary is taking off. Boppy (your pacifier) is long gone, even if your front teeth are still just a little crooked. 

Eden Rose, you are an absolutely precious gift from God and we all absolutely adore you. You and Hannah are two peas in a pod, Rachael is your fill-in Mommy who lovingly and willingly pets your hair at night during this transition when you need a little extra love, and sometimes only Abi’s hugs make things right after nap time. Abi may barely be able to pick you up, but you know her love is to the core and sometimes the only thing you want. 

Happy second birthday, beloved baby. And just like Rachael says sometimes I want to freeze you and keep you this way forever. 

You are all of our delight. 

Happy birthday, precious love.

We’re delighted to watch you grow into such a wonderful little girl.