Two-year-olds are their own special kind of magic, aren’t they? It really doesn’t matter what they just did – what they just broke or smashed into the couch cushions or threw in the toilet or whacked you over the head with – all they have to do is give you a big leg squeeze and say, “Sor-sor!” and you melt. At least….that’s how it is with you, Rhenner.

We all know Mama had a rough time knowing how to comfort you as a baby, and we all know how happy I am to be over that phase. But mostly, I’m happy that YOU’RE happier. We put tubes in your ears exactly one year ago, and I swear life improved drastically the moment we did. I’m sure it was a combination of the age as well as the tubes, but you suddenly became Rhenner. The Rhenner you wanted to be, instead of the Rhenner that was affected by aching ears and pain. And the Rhenner you want to be is still darn fiesty and sneaky and trouble….but you are also joy. Pure joy!

There are two distinct qualities about you right now, that I hope grow with you as you get older:

The first is your love for animals. I have never heard a shriek quite like the one that comes out of your mouth when you see an animal unexpectedly. It makes everyone around you laugh and wonder what’s so great about that cow. Regardless, suddenly everyone is happier. Except for maybe that cow.

Sometimes you just come up to us and whisper “cooooooow” all breathy into our faces. It’s become an inside joke in our family. We just going around grabbing each other’s faces and whispering “cow.” Thanks for that tradition.

The other divine quality that you have is the ability to perceive when someone needs a hug. There have been several instances now where we have been in a group of people, and I’ve looked over to find your arms wrapped around someone – and not just in any old simple hug, but squeezing and squeezing and not letting go. Your hugs have always been like that – tight and sincere, and always with perfect timing.

I’ve spoiled you more than I did with Axton. Every day for nap time, I lie by your side in my bed and wait for you to fall asleep. I think that’s my favorite time with you, just snuggling and waiting for you to finish your milk. I love asking you, as we cuddle, “Do you love Mommy?” and watch you nod your head yes. And then we go through everyone in the family:
Do you love Daddy?
Do you love Axton?
Do you love Kaleo?
Do you love Grandma?

and every time you smile and nod.

I’ve loved watching you follow in your brother’s footsteps with so many things. The other day you stood on the edge of the couch, spread your arms out straight to the sides and said your version of, “To infinity AND BEYOND!” You’ve never seen Toy Story, so we all know you’ve only ever heard that come out of Axton’s mouth.

I hope having Axton as your brother teaches you how to share – how to give and take, how to put someone else’s needs above your own. I hope having an older brother teaches you how to forgive, to love beyond the hurt, to let it go. I hope Axton teaches you how to explore together, to be excited together, to love and serve within your own family.

But I also hope – and I don’t have any doubt that you will –  that you find your own path. Your own voice. Your own talents. You’ve already proven you’ll fully capable of this – from the day you’ve been born, to today, one day before your second birthday,  you’ve been you’re own person. You’ve simply been Rhenner.

I love you, my sweet boy. Thanks for being you, and thanks, also, for being mine.

Love you always.