For Park

My precious Park,

Happy 2nd birthday, my Bubby! How has another year passed us by and when did my baby turn into such a big boy? I went back and read the love letter I wrote you last year on your birthday and soaked up all the memories of our first year together. Even though my heart could hardly hold all the love I had for you on your 1st birthday, that love has continued to grow deeper and stronger and far surpass anything your little heart can possibly comprehend.

What a little man you've become! With an independent spirit and exuberance for life, there is not a morning that goes by that you do not wake up excited for the day and all it holds. The minute your chubby feet hit the floor you are non-stop energy. You have strong opinions and preferences and are very efficient at being heard. And your biggest preference of all is Daddy. He is your hero: you follow him everywhere and copy his every move.


You are also exceptionally physical and oh, how you love anything related to climbing, jumping, running, or throwing. Sometimes you make me so nervous at the amount of weight you lift over your head! You love to carry in my groceries from the car or push the lawn mower with Daddy. Your newest thing is to wipe your sweaty head with the back of your palm and say, "Me workin', mommy. Me workin' hard!" There is no doubt in my mind that you have inherited your Daddy's strong work ethic. And what a precious sight to take in as you constantly learn alongside him!

You also inherited his determination to accomplish anything you set out to do. By sheer willpower alone you learned to snap your fingers at just 14 months. And Lolli will back me up when I say, you painstakingly worked for over an hour to blow your own bubbles through the bubble wand. If you decide to tackle a task, there is absolutely no limit to the amount of time or energy you will expend to bring it to fruition.

Although you have 95% of your daddy's personality, you definitely inherited Mommy's love of books. For as active as you are, it always amazes me how you will sit for long periods of time, cuddled in my lap, to hear your favorite stories. You know your books inside and out and often correct me if I skip a page or don't point out your favorite pictures. I sometimes hear you in your room reading Hop on Pop to yourself and laughing at all your favorite parts..."Fish in tree?...(delightful giggles) No..fish in POND! (more giggles)


And that brings me to the two hobbies you have become passionate about this year: fishing and baseball. The fishing is no surprise. (Your daddy has taken you to ponds and lakes and fished while wearing you in the Baby Bjorn since day one) But, baseball? Daddy can hardly watch the sport without falling asleep! Regardless, you have fallen in love. You hit from your tee for hours on end with such force that I often feel sorry for the poor ball. Mommy has gotten used to pitching to you throughout the day and Daddy takes over in the evenings. Sometimes we try and take breaks, but you shout, "MORE "BEESEBALL", PEASE!" At least you are a good mannered little tyrant:)


You make me laugh daily with your silly faces and dances and the new things you learn to say. You are quite the character, but perhaps funniest of all is the way you crack yourself up! You laugh at just about anything and once you get started there is no end in sight. Everything you do is 100% and there is no middle ground with you at all.

Being your mom is my biggest challenge, and greatest joy. Reigning in your strong will without crushing your aggressive spirit is a balance I continue to work hard to achieve. I can't promise you that I will never disappoint you or make mistakes, but I can promise to love you unconditionally and introduce you to the One who will never let you down. You are exactly what God chose for me because He knew that you are everything I need. Loving you is a privilege that I cherish. God has wonderful plans for your life, Park, and what a joy it is to be along for the ride!


Happy Birthday, love!