2 years old!

Happy Birthday to my 2 year old boy!! 

Child of mine, you stole my heart from the day you were born.  As you grow in leaps and bounds, always on the go, I cherish the moments when you sit in my lap as I read a book to you and when you lay your head on my shoulder because you are tired.  You have a strong will and stubborn spirit, but it evens out with your tender and loving heart.  Your answer to everything is a determined "NO!" with a shake of your head to emphasize your point.  You love to be outside playing basketball or playing in the mud.  You love to be chased and squeal with delight when you are caught.  Your vocabulary is growing daily, and I love how you repeat the last thing I say like it's a question.  You are full of confidence and know exactly what you want and where you want to go.  

You are starting to sing along with the ABC's which is great fun to listen to.  A new favorite activity of yours is to pretend to cook.  You grab anything that you can reach and use it to "add ingredients" to your culinary creation.  You are still taking one nap a day, much to my delight.  There was a time I feared nap time would be eliminated by now.  You continue to do well at bedtime and I am delighted that you now are willing for us to read a story to you! Currently, you are enjoying Green Eggs & Ham. (good speech practice for your mommy!).  

You are also starting to embody the "terrible twos".  You are certainly teaching me that I need to be creative in how to effectively discipline you! You know how to turn on the charm and smile your way out of trouble, give hugs and kisses, and instantly those tears dry up as soon as you think you have won the battle :) My darling boy, you will test me and try me throughout the years, but I know that in the end, it will be worth it! 

My prayer for you is that you keep the confidence you have now, the joy you have for being with others, the ability to ask for help when help is needed, the smile and hugs you so readily give, your tenderness and kindness to those who are suffering, and the strength (or stubbornness) to get you through rough times.  Above all, I pray that you follow Christ and let Him guide your life.  Right now, in these precious years, He has entrusted us with you, to guide you and lead you throughout childhood, and my daily prayer is that Christ continues to give us the strength and wisdom that is necessary to raise you.  

Jordan Keith, you bring such joy to my life.  My heart is full when I take one look at you and that sweet smile.  You, my boy, have been an answer to a prayer and what an amazing answer you are!!  I love you.