Dear Harper, on your second birthday

Dear Harper,

You're 2 years old! But you know that, because you keep talking about your birthday party yesterday, and of course, the Yo Gabba Gabba! cake. You love to talk, and I love to listen. You have the sweetest little voice. In all fairness, it does get *pretty* high pitched, and you do love to screech when you're not getting your way. But we're working on it. You're learning to use your words more.

You have a VERY clear opinion on what you want to wear every day. I think you have better taste and style than I do, actually. You're not afraid of mixing prints, I'll tell you that much. I like your boldness, Daughter.

You are so self-sufficient and secure. I LOVE that about you. You want to do everything for yourself. Sometimes I have to step in for the sake of timeliness, or so you won't choke yourself with your shirt, but for the most part, I try to let you do what you want to do. You love your sissy. "Good morning, Sissy!" And my favorite: "Sissy okay too?" You love your brother: "HI! BRADY!" You love slides, and danger, and taking off your clothes and diaper. You throw things when you're angry. You want Daddy and only Daddy to push you on the swing (see: danger, because he pushes you higher). You like jewelry, and riding bikes, and (THANK GOD!) books.

You are sweet as pie when you want to be, and the devil in disguise when you're feeling frisky. And you know, I wouldn't have you any other way. You're you, and I love you so much. I hope that you're just as secure at 12 and 22. I hope that you have a good job so you can afford jewelry and good clothes. I hope that you get exactly what you want out of life, and I have a feeling that your tenacity will help make that happen. I hope you remain true to yourself always, that you look in the mirror and see your eyes and my eyes and my mother's eyes, and you think, "I come from some strong women. I'm strong too." Above all, I hope you'll always know how much Daddy and I love you, and how grateful we are that you came into this world and are ours. You are simply amazing.

Love,
Mommy