Happy Birthday Sophie

I honestly can not believe today has come. No matter how hard I try to push against time, it always wins, and always marches on. Two years ago today, after being up all night in pain, I went to the hospital to hopefully get some antibiotics for my aching lungs. Instead, I got a much greater gift! The doctor asked me if I was ready to meet my baby, I wasn't quite sure. And, in less than an hour, I met baby Sophie Lynn. She came out kicking and screaming, and really never stopped. Her first year was quite the ordeal for us, she cried for three months, got sick enough to necessitate a helicopter ride, needed more trips to the doctor and more antibiotics than I care to admit, but it was filled with wonderful memories. Watching her develop her sassy little spunky personality, love her brother in ways that I never imagined, and just plain grow has been amazing. I can not count the ways she has changed us. I never knew I could love something or someone so much. I never knew that someone so little could show you how much you love other people. I have learned to love Sullivan in a whole new way- watching him be a brother to this little being. I have learned new ways to love Aaron, things I never knew until this little girl melted his heart.

She has been a true gift, bringing laughter and love to thos she meets. I thank every one of our friends and family who have contributed to her development thus far. She is definitely a character, definitely a challenge, but definitely worth the effort. Our poor photographer and friend Sarah, is never greeted with a smile from Sophie. I am sure she leaves every session wondering if she ever wants to photograph a child again. She has numerous pictures of Sophie, I am not sure she is smiling in more than 5 of them, but they are all wonderful.

Today, at two, she loves life most of the time. She loves babies, puppies, animals, Sullivan (whom she refers to as "BoBo"), bossing people around, and mostly Dora. Although she is a mommy's girl, she has lately decided her daddy is a pretty cool guy. She goes in an out of being potty trained. One week she is, the next week she wants to wear Dora pullups that smell like flowers. She is VERY opinionated. She will tell you like it is. She likes to climb, anything and everything. She loves apple juice but not orange. She loves opening presents. We had to rewrap quite a few gifts this year because of her. She likes to think she is as big as her brother. She talks really well, quite surprising since Sullivan was only saying three or four words at this age. She LOVES to jump, anywhere and everywhere. She loves playing with friends. She can fit into a group of kids playing that are 6 years older than her and act like she belongs. She is a true delight. I can't believe its really been two years.

To my precious Sophie Lynn,

You have changed me more than I can believe. When I was a little girl, all that I wanted to do was to be a mommy. When I had you, you allowed me to fulfill a special void that I had. I wanted a little girl so badly. I hope you keep the spark and zest that you have as long as you live. You are so fun to be around, and while you challenge your mommy and daddy alot, we love you for it. You are such a special little girl. Everyone who meets you loves you. I love you more than words can say. I can't believe what a lovely little girl you are turning into. I hope every year with you is filled with as much laughter as 2008 was. Keep growing and learning and loving, mommy and daddy are soooooo proud of you little one!