Audrey Rose

Since I have been blogging, I have always written this post on either of the girls' birthdays many days if not weeks before the big day. I don't know if it because I am having such a hard time with Audrey turning two, but I had to force myself to write this one the night before...

If you look back at this year, you had kind of a rough year. It started with tubes in your ears, then being diagnosed with allergies and asthma. You kicked it in high gear at the end and decided to break your left arm. Just because you wanted to end your "1's" with a bang. And add a few hundred more grey hairs on your Mom's head.

You are a picky eater, which is new territory for your Dad and I. Ashley ate (and will still for the most part) anything we put in front of her. She especially loves fruit. You won't touch even the sweetest fruit, and I am pretty sure you would be happy to survive on rice cakes and chocolate.

But I hate to compare you to your sister. I want you to be your own person and develop and grow as Audrey, not Ashley's younger sister. Where Ashley had two and half years with your Dad and I all to herself, you have had to share us since the day you were born. I cherish Sunday mornings when your Dad and Ashley go to Sunday school and you and I have an hour to ourselves. We play hide and seek, we terrorize the dog, we give big hugs and I make you tell me your are Mommy's Girl, not Daddy's Girl.

I am astonished with the rate you are speaking, and the things you are doing. You play your Dad and me. If one of us puts you in time out for some reason, you immediately go crying to the other parent. You cry when your sister looks at you funny because you know it will get a reaction out of us.

Life is moving so fast with you...some days I want to make it stop all together and just sit with you...but then I think of all the good days we have planned ahead and how much more you have to learn and I sit back and I watch you laugh and run down the hallway chasing your sister...I sigh and run after you, knowing I will be doing this my whole life.

Happy Birthday, Little One.