2 Years Old

My precious Nathan,

Two years ago, when I held you in my arms for the first time, I was given the most important job I've ever had, a mom. Thank you for giving me that job. It has been the most difficult and rewarding job I've ever had. The weight of the responsibility can feel daunting at times: to love you, raise you, teach you and protect you, but the joy and excitement you've brought to your Daddy and I soar above the difficult moments. And this year in particular, I have been so very proud to be your mom and watch the little boy you've grown to be.

You have changed so much since we celebrated your 1st birthday. We have seen your personality begin to shine and watched in awe at the things you have learned. The pace of your learning still astounds me, how your little brain can soak up so many details so quickly. You have the sweetest temperament and a typical first born personality.

You have loved to be held and cuddled since you were tiny and are still my little snuggler. Your Daddy's love language is physical touch, and you might be following in his footsteps. You ask to be held multiple times per day and always want to be near us. You especially love cuddling while you watch TV. When I put you in your crib at night, you'll lie on your pillow and hold my hand while we sing "Jesus Loves Me." You show love through touch as well. You pat and hug Samuel all the time and are always the first to initiate hugs with others. And let me tell you, Nathan, you are a great hugger!

 You are certainly outgoing and have never met a stranger. You'll say hi and give high fives to anyone and even initiate contact with others you have never met. You always have a smile on your face, and it is infectious which might be why so many people want to talk to you.

You are organized and like order. You notice when things are out of place and say "uh oh" until they are where they are supposed to be. You always put your cup on a coaster, and are really great at picking up your toys when prompted. When you're playing, you take your time in setting up your toys and getting them just the way you want them before you start playing. 

The Lord has given you the most tender heart Nathan, and I can't wait to see you He uses this gift in you as you grow. Whenever Samuel is upset, it bothers you so much, and you do everything you can to soothe him. You notice when others are upset, and your concern for them is evident on your little face. You even notice when characters in your books or on TV are upset and tell me about it. And oh, how you desire to help others. You have been such a big help to me in caring for Samuel. No matter what you are doing, you will stop and run get a paci or a burp cloth for Samuel if I ask you to, and you always do it cheerfully. Any opportunity you have to help, you jump on it, and I can see how much joy it brings you to help others. Whether it's carrying in the mail for us, putting something away, bringing us something we need, helping us push a stroller or grocery cart, you very rarely turn down an opportunity to help. You definitely share your Mommy's desire to help others.

But you have so much of your Daddy in you too. I watch you as you sit and diligently work on your train puzzles multiple times per day. I see your problem solving skills in action as you figure out where to put the pieces, and I wonder if you'll take after your daddy and be an engineer someday. Whenever you're trying to figure out something new, you take your time and work through the problem usually with little help from an adult. You do get frustrated at times, but if I remind you to be patient, you will settle down and keep working until you figure it out.

You love to play outside and are fearless when it comes to playground equipment. You swing in a big boy swing, climb ladders all by yourself and never turn down an opportunity to slide no matter how big the slide is. We go on walks almost every evening and you run and get right in your stroller whenever we tell you it's time to go. You are in love with trains and cars and balls.

You are such a fun loving, laid back little guy. The littlest things bring you such joy, and you never stop smiling. You run through the house screaming, "Daddy home" whenever Daddy gets home from work. You dance and laugh and smile all the time. Your joy and laughter is contagious.

So far, you have been very obedient and compliant. We do discipline you at times, but a quick timeout in your crib is usually all you need to realize you need to change your behavior, and usually that's only necessary if you're over tired. I think it's a combination of your tenderness, and desire to help and please others, that has made disciplining you a pretty easy task, for now at least. You do know how to test limits and boundaries, but once you figure out you can't get away with it, you give up pretty quickly.

Before I became a mother I never realized how much joy I would receive in just sitting back and watching you develop into the person God intended you to be and seeing the character traits he has given you mature. It's by far one of the greatest things about being your mom. Thank you for being you, Nathan. I can't wait to see how you continue to grow and mature in this coming year.