My baby's 2!!

Dear Gemma,

I can't believe my last baby is 2! Really, you're no longer a baby. You're a full fledged toddler with an independent spirit who loves big and is constantly running. This year has been fun watching you turn from a baby to a big girl who can talk, is learning songs and colors and numbers, and understands mommy and daddy even when you can't communicate quite as well verbally.

You have such a silly personality, and I truly see a mix of Reid and Micah in you! You love big like Micah always does and you also know how to make us laugh and be super silly and goofy. You're expressive and excited ALL.THE.TIME when we're in the car, outside, wherever. Your eyes get big and your face excited and you say over and over "mommy!!!" then when I look at you, it's "plane!" or "bus!" or "truck!" anything big or loud you love and you love to talk to be about it. You've started nodding your head "yes" lately when we ask you questions (so cute!) and you have also learned to close your eyes and fold your hands when we pray. You've also become good at making silly faces, or rolling your eyes to the side or to the ceiling and then back down, playing a fun game with us. You crack me up when you do it! You're hilarious, Gemma.

You're learning quite the vocabulary, and I feel like daily it's growing. You LOVE your big brothers and Frodo. "I-cha" and "EEEEID" (You also say your name as "nya-nya"... you're trying!) You've learned how to count to 10, most of the time, and are working on your colors. Most things are blue, but we're getting there! You know the words to Jesus loves me, This is the Day and I love you Gemma. You usually like to add the last word for me at the end of each line, with big bold eyes. So excited, all the time!

You're also a snuggler, Gemma. You love big, give the biggest hugs and kisses. You'll just randomly give a huge hug or wrap your arms around me and it melts my heart sweet girl. You're a Daddy's girl who runs and greets him every single time he walks in the door. You also love your brothers and love to play with them. They're really good with you baby girl, and it's just such a sweet bond you all have. So awesome to see. And Frodo. You love him so much. And it hurts just a little to see because he's sick and won't be around much longer. Thank you for loving him, Gemma, and giving him so much attention.

Gemma you are a girly girl who loves her bows and beads BUT you are also obsessed with ants and bugs! You love looking at them all over the ground (and unfortunately in our house the last 2 weeks) and you love being outside playing. Water, toys, Daddy's car, whatever it is, you love being outside. We love you baby girl! You provide us such joy and happiness and you are such a perfect addition to our family of boys. You hold your own with your brothers, love big and show so much excitement and we just love you to pieces. Stay sweet baby girl, and we can't wait to see you blossom even more this year!

Love,
Mommy

(dr stats:  height - 2'11.5", 89%; weight - 27lbs, 70%; head circumference - 19.21, 88%)