Dear Griffin,
Happy SECOND birthday sweet boy. As I sat down to write this tonight, I realized this is my seventh birthday letter I have written. Five for your brother and two to you. I admit I am met with the same mixed feelings each time. I celebrate you turning two, but at the same time, you are growing so quickly before my eyes. As I think back over this past year, I realize how much you have grown and changed and matured. This has been a big year for you.
I cannot begin to tell you how much you are loved by everyone that knows you. You have such a fun spirit about you and we never know quite what to expect from you! You are so loving and affectionate. You also have a strong will, determination, and can be quite opinionated! You have no hesitation letting us know when you are frustrated or angry, but know I would never want or expect you to be any different. This is such a part of what makes you, you!
You are definitely a cautious child. You hesitate at things that are new to you. You take your time warming up to new experiences and adventures. You doubt yourself at times, but when you try something new and enjoy it, it is such a joy to witness! You are so different than how your brother embraces new things. You have reminded me to sometimes slow down. I have learned so much from you.
You are also so quirky! You insist on wearing your shoes all.the.time. You love to wear pajama bottoms. You always like to be holding something in our hand (often a ball). You love to put on Chap Stick. When you drink a drink (preferably milk), you drink the entire cup full in one continuous drink. You are the pickiest eater! It drives us a crazy! You love to hold a golf club in your hand and are always looking for ball to hit. You love to swing and play outside most often with bubbles and chalk. I hope you know, all of these little “things” are part of what makes you so special and unique.
You absolutely adore your brother. Nothing is sweeter than to hear you say “Bubba” as you search for him when you wake up in the morning. You follow after him and will copy what he does every chance you get. Know that your brother is pretty smitten by you too. I hope and pray your relationship is always as close and the bond as strong as it is now.
Although I would say you are a more serious child, when you smile, it lights up the entire room. Your laugh is infectious and contagious. I look forward to your smile every single day. Thank you for sharing your joy with us.
This next year will be a big year for you. You start Mother’s Day Out in a few weeks and I admit I am unsure how you will adjust. I hope you enjoy preschool as much as your brother. You love to learn. This will be good for you. I will miss you while you are away. I call you my “side kick.” We pretty much go everywhere together. It will be strange to be a part from you, but I am excited you have this opportunity. Potty training, transitioning to a “big boy bed,” learning more words and conversational skills, participating in more activities and so on. Oh my what a fun year is in store for you!
I cannot tell you how much you are loved and how lucky we are to have you. You are the perfect fit in our family. Thank you for giving us such a great year. We look forward to another great year, challenges and all! May this next year be filled with love, joy, fun, plenty of new experiences, and lots of successes!
Happy Birthday to “G, Griffy Bear, Little Bubba, and Griffy!”
You are TWO! We will celebrate even though, as usual, I feel sad. You have made this year fly by!
May this next year be the best one yet!!
Love,
Mommy (Daddy and Bubba)
