the coury commentary: happy 2nd birthday noah!

Dear Noah,

You are two years old! I'm sure you'll hear me say this a lot in the years to come, but I can't believe how the time goes by so quickly. There are so many things you can do now that you are two. This has been a fun year with you bubba. You have grown a lot, almost as much physically as developmentally (you and sister weigh the same). If I could freeze you at a moment in time this would be the one. You are so much fun and learning new words and "tricks" each day it seems.

I love first thing in the morning when you get up and I walk in your room and greet you with "hey buddy...." and you reply "hi mommy." Your little voice is so sleepy but you still give me a proper greeting that makes me feel very loved. I love that you look for Ava once you have gotten out of bed. My little Mr. Independent, you want to do everything "self" and most of the time that works out for you. Most of the time you are pretty helpful and like to say things like "oh sure" or "ooookaay mommy." When you aren't feeling so helpful you like to say things like "NOOO!!!!!!!!!" and "don't want to" and "like it (shaking your head no)."

I love the different ways you say Ava: Ava (ah-va), Ava (e-vah), Avie (ah-vee), Sister! The way you call yourself "Nono" or "Nano."

I love the way you greet me, or daddy, or anyone else that you really love with a BIG smile and equally big HI! It's as if you haven't seen them in ages, even if I just went to take out the trash.

I love the way you now say "neeeed Mommmmmy" even though it is pretty pitiful, and you don't really need me.

I love the your sweet little voice when you mispronounce things like "ober der" for over there, or "ride der" for right there. The way you get SO excited when we go all the way down Sunset..."down da hill!!!!!"

I just love you buddy!

Birthday breakfast...he may have gotten a little too close to that candle!