A Letter to Our Antonia

Dear Anni Grace,

Today is your birthday!  It is the day, that two years ago, we were finally able to snuggle you and welcome you into the world!  The parties are planned, your second year book is done - we are ready to celebrate you.

Your daddy and I have been marveling at all you are recently, my sweet.  We didn't know much of anything when we became parents, but you've taught us that we'll never stop learning.  We're okay with that.

You are kind, polite even.  Recently you make sure to say, "Sank you, Mommy" or "Sank you, Daddy" when we do something for you (although; sometimes you just say it, and we try to guess what we did to deserve your sweetness).  Sometimes you like to share and sometimes it's hard for you.  Mostly you just love your friends as much as you possibly can.

I don't think there is anything better than when you run to one of us, wrap your arms tight around our legs and kiss... just because.  Daddy and I couldn't ask for anything better.  Sometimes you like to narrate the action, "Daddy hug.  Daddy kiss.  Momma hug.  Momma kiss."

You've been singing a lot lately.  We hoped you would love music, and so far you do.   You will dance to anything, anything at all: Baa Baa Black Sheep, Simon and Garfunkel, and the most recent made up song about tailies, daddy or baby. 
 

The truth is, Miss Anni, that while we love all of these things about you... they aren't even the beginning of our love for you.  Even if all of those things go away, if you end up hating music and are grumpy and you don't want to dance anymore - we'll still love you.  We love you, no matter what you do or what you love to do, and that will never change.

Happy Birthday, Baby Nugget.