Happy 2nd Birthday, Blakey

August 19 2013

Dear Blakey,

The past two years have been so unbelievably fun with you.  You never - ever - stop smiling, giggling, or asking for more "muk" (milk).  The first two are completely fine with us and we hope that you continue to be that way forever.  The third one, though, is something that we need to work on.  When I say "we", I mean you, Dennis, and me.  Usually children only have their milk warmed until the age of 1.  You, my dear princess, throw such a fi when your "muk" isn't heated to the exact temperature that you like, that your dad and I have given in and are still heating it for you ONE YEAR LATER.

I'm not sure if this is because you are the princess that you are or because your mom and dad are major wusses.  I think it's a perfect combination of the two.

One of the most beautiful things that we've seen happen this last year is between your brother and you.  Many times - not all of the time - you two will play, giggle, and chase each other through the house.  You will usually stop and hide in the curtains until your brother figures out what you are up to.  Instead of calling him "Connor" or "nonnor", you've affectionately named him "nah".

Blake speak:
"Bake" = Blake
"Baba" = Papa
"Doe-doe" = Echo
"Nuyk" = Milk
"Dah-gee" = Doggie
"Nana" = Nana
"Ma'am" = BAM
"Peas" = Please

You quickly become every teachers favorite student at Kids R Kids, where you spend your day while your parents are at work. You still cry many mornings when you are dropped off but I rest easier knowing that your thumb and Doggie are never far away.

Earlier this month, we went to Hilton Head as a family and you were skeptical of the ocean the first day we were there. After a few days, you got to the point that you'd cry when we carried you away from the shallow water you and Connor were splashing around in. I think that next year is going to be the year that we are going to watch our two favorite people ("Bake" and "Nah") spend every second possible running, splashing, and playing.

Several months ago, your Nana painted your nails for the first time. Every week or so I'll ask you if you'd like to paint your nails. The sweet smile that appears on your face and your fast nodding of your head mean only one thing: you are ready to go to your bathroom, sit on the floor, and giggle as I try to keep the pink paint on your little nails instead of the floor, my hands, and every other place it tends to magically appear.

Your babies, your purses, your painted nails and your love of wearing pretty clothes does make me a little nervous. I think you will probably LOVE to shop and might have expensive taste.

For now, if you can wear your Bubble Guppies shirt, we a purse on each shoulder, have a bow in your hair and your pretty pink sandals that display your not-quite-perfect pedicure, you are very happy. And we've learned when Blakey is happy, we are happy.

Thank you for being you.  Your smiles and laughter are contagious and brighten every single day.

We love you.
xoxo
Mommy