On Your 2nd Birthday...

June 3, 2012

Dearest Ryan and Quinn,

Today you are TWO! Two years old. No longer babies but full-fledged toddlers. It doesn't seem possible that two years have already passed. At this time, two years ago, I was finally getting settled in my room at St. Luke's with Ryan in my arms and Quinn in the NICU. Groggy, disoriented, sick as a dog, but absolutely thrilled that y'all were finally here...safe and sound.

 It's been quite the journey these past two years to say the least.

Tons of highs, a few lows, and a little bit of a bumpy ride --- but worth every single second.

Your daddy and I don't remember what life was like before you both arrived. We know we probably slept a bit more and worried a bit less, but oh, how sweet and full our days are now. We feel incredibly blessed that God chose YOU specifically for us. We both thank Him every day for the two of you --- we are so undeserving of the Grace He passed onto us.

R&Q, you make me smile every day. What fun it is to see you learn new things, new words, or new "tricks"! I won't sugar coat it all --- some days are tough, very tough. As would be expected with two toddlers who are curious about EVERYTHING and want into EVERYTHING. I am not always the best mom - I lose my patience, I may yell or get overly frustrated, but never, ever for a single second, doubt my love for you. It is beyond measure.

Ry, you are just my sweet, sweet little boy. Your smile is infectious and your personality is so charming. You are a huge flirt with the ladies :) and you melt hearts with those baby blues. You crack me up on a regular basis --- either with your passionate guitar playing, your "Ryan & Mom" games, or just being silly with Max. You have such a sensitive spirit and even at 2, you still must have your cuddles. Thank goodness for that!!! Right now you are loving your books and are all about letters --- every letter that you see, you must point it out and usually you call anything an "A" or an "O". I am thinking you may be the reader in the family - you have the most patience to sit down and read quietly or play on your Leapfrog laptop to "practice" your letters. Precious. You love all things Mickey, any type of music, and you just generally my all-around go with the flow kid. I love you, Ry Guy, with all my heart. May God continue to bless you as you grow into your 2nd year of life. I can't wait to see what He has in store for you this year!

Quinnie, my beautiful baby girl. You are still just as fiesty at two as you have been since the day you arrived. You have survived so much this year --- two open heart surgeries, multiple hospital stays, pain we can't even fathom, and even heart failure --- and through it all you have maintained your zest and love of life. God sure knew what He was doing when He gave you that amazing spirit. And you are sweet as pie too. Randomly throughout the day, even if I have just put you in time out for the fifth time, you will come up to me and just wrap those chubby little arms around my legs and give me a big squeeze. It's those cuddles out of the blue that make me catch my breath and I'm almost brought to tears. You are for sure Mommy's helper and Miss Independent --- the times you get the most frustrated are just when you want to do things yourself, whether it's throwing away the trash, climbing up into your booster chair, or putting on your shoes. You are scary smart and pretty much understand everything we say and will repeat it back constantly. Yikes! : )  Q, you are my precious angel. I thank God every day that you continue to grow and thrive despite all the odds. He has big plans for you --- I can't wait to see them unfold.

I could write pages and pages about you two and what characters you are. Y'all may have been born within 30 seconds of each other, but you are very much individuals - and I love it! The differences you have are astounding, but make each of you so unique and special. And yet, despite your differences, you are incredibly close and share a bond that is fascinating to see. I pray as you continue to grow that your love for each other as siblings and friends also blossoms.

Ryan and Quinn, thank you for the last two years. Thank you for your patience with us as we stumble along this parenting path. We've learned so much about ourselves and unconditional love since you've been here. You have changed our lives 200% for the better. Our lives will never be the same and thank God for that. And thank God for you. Happy 2nd Birthday, my sweet monkeys. May you always know how much you are loved and adored.

In His Precious Name,

Love,

Mommy