Two. Sweet Eloise, I cannot hardly believe you uttered your last, “I’m one!” just before bed last night. It’s something I’m going to have to wrap my mind around for a while. You’ve already blown out candles and been celebrated and surrounded by some of your most favorite people in the world. This past weekend, as we marked this fun age and another year for you on the books, you ran around in pink (of course), sported pigtails and cowgirl boots, had your share of fair food and opened your gifts. I have the pictures to prove it, and yet, I’m in a bit of denial as I cling to the last traces of you as our baby and move on to new memories with you as our little girl.

All day yesterday you said, “I love you,” doling out hugs and kisses in a new, enthusiastic way. I’m not sure whether you could just sense that I needed the extra love, or if maybe you’re just coming into your own. Either way, it’s clear that “I love you” means something to you now, and this is just one of the many ways you’re expressing yourself on a new level as of late. You’ve successfully discovered the very best way to turn me into a puddle. I love you, too, darling girl.

Every time we begin to pray as a family these days, you interject with, “I wanna pray!” I love this about you. Your prayers are simple and sweet, and they always begin with, “Thank you for this Jesus,” which I think is so beautiful pouring out of your little heart. At bedtime two nights ago your prayer turned into a song, and it was so precious I was nearly in tears. “Thank you for this Jesus. And a help-a me sleep. And a wonderful day. And a wonderful day. And a wonderful day…” You went on and on this way for a few minutes. How much joy filled my heart as I imagined God’s heart as you sang. Don’t you think that God must almost burst when His children worship Him and call Him by name?! I hope you never cease to find joy and peace in the act of worship, Eloise.

It so hard to capture the essence of two year old you in a post, but I will sure try anyway. You are a spunky, feisty, sharp, beautiful, happy, adventurous, loving, observant, funny, daring, compassionate, animal-loving, baby-doll nurturing, AMAZING little girl. You take in so much of the world around you, you let us know exactly how you’re feeling, and you chase after new things with boldness. You are your brother’s greatest admirer and his best friend. I trust you will be allies for life–he has his hand on you to protect and look out for you in the most beautiful way, and you look up to him at every turn. The two of you are a riot together when he gets you going and there’s chasing and mimicking happening all throughout the house.

You like what you like and you don’t hesitate to say so. You want to pick your clothes out every morning, you dislike trying new foods, you ask me to stop singing or to turn music off in the car if it’s “too woud!” You love to look at books and be read to, you love being outside, and you always want to “see da baby,” (even if he or she is five aisles away in the grocery store) wherever we go.

You are a farm girl at heart. “Hoasey? Cow? Pig? Sheep? Duck? Wamby? See da baan?!” are all regular phrases around here. You say “Amen!” with vigor. You make us laugh. You keep everyone around here on our toes.

I have no idea what God has for you in this lifetime, Eloise, but I do know that it’s something great. We pray that you will continue to be bold, and to trust God on the path He sets before you. You are strong and resilient–qualities I thank God for over and over as you grow up in this world. Always remember that we love you no. matter. what. But more than that, always cling to the Truth that God loved you first, and that Christ is the ruler of your life. With Him there is no fear, no need to doubt, no darkness too great to overcome nor mountain too high to climb. You are mighty, Eloise Josephine. Little, but fierce, just as we have always said. I love that about you…more than you’ll ever know.

Happy 2nd Birthday, Ella Bella B. May you grow in beautiful, healthy, glorious ways in the year to come!

love forever and ever (and ever and ever),

mama