To my daughter, on your second birthday.

My sweet Annabelle,

Tomorrow you turn 2. When I ask you how old you'll be, you hold up the pointer finger on each hand and say "two". I smile and laugh every time you do it, which only makes you do it more. You are so incredibly charming.

These two years have been an absolute gift to me. And I am glad to say i have cherished every one of them. But now that you can talk, I get to see the real you,

And I am so proud. You are beautiful, inside and out. You love your friends and your family so much...and their love for you is overflowing. You have boundless energy with times of sweet rest. You love books! And you read your books all the time.

This year we gave you a sister. Nora. And you have learned to love her. You kiss her and hug her. You are learning to share your mommy and daddy with her, and of course, your toys. And again, I am proud.

You remind me every day of God's grace and love. And you remind me to pray.

My prayer for you, little one, is that you may know Jesus. That His life and words would guide you in your life. That you would follow Him with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength. I will pray this for you as often as humanly possible.

Tomorrow will be so sweet as we celebrate your life. But mommy may cry too. Because you won't be my little girl forever. But for now, for today and tomorrow, you are. And these 2 years, Annabella-boo, have been incredible. Thank you.

With all the love one heart can hold...Mom.