Where have you gone? Last night you went to sleep a sweet little one-year-old and woke up this morning a full-fledged two-year old.  Happy Birthday my sweet baby boy.  Well, I guess you aren’t a baby anymore.  You are now officially two.  How fast time flies.  It feels as though only yesterday we were in Ethiopia picking you up and bringing you home.  How much you have changed from that tiny little boy who couldn’t sit up or roll over.  Now you run everywhere you go.  I am pretty sure that you don’t know what walk means–even though you ask to do it all the time. 

You make your dad and me smile every day and your happiness lights up our life beyond explanation.  There is something very special about you Minnow.  You have made me a better person and your spirit lifts me up when I am feeling down.  You are quickly growing into your own person.  You are much more expressive about what you want and what you don’t.  You are happiest when you are the center of attention and you love being around other people.  You say hello to and smile at nearly everyone that you meet. 

Your laugh is absolutely infectious and you laugh constantly.  I have been completely unable to discipline you–I am sure I will pay for that later, but you don’t do things…well let me stop there.  I am usually laughing as you do the things you shouldn’t because you are quite a funny child.  I will have to get better at that or you will have a hard time.  But right now we are having too much fun and there will be endless rules as you get older.  So for now if you want to throw the occasional crayon in delight and karate chop me while we are playing and laughing then have at it son. 

You have changed so much over this last year.  You are outspoken, gregarious and social beyond my own comfort level.  Just yesterday at Borders you walked up to an older lady, sat down next to her and proceeded to “tell” her a story non-stop for nearly 5 minutes.  You get that from me your father says.  I don’t know where you get that from.  I get great joy from seeing the smile on a strangers face as you talk to them and smile.  You have a powerful gift Minnow and I hope to be able to help you foster and develop that gift to change the world. 

You are currently going through a phase now where you don’t really have time to eat.  You are non-stop action.  You run and play and jump and clap and sing and dance and color and ride your bike and play the drums and the harmonica and the guitar and watch a little tv.  Then 15 minutes later you start the circuit all over again.  You keep me on my toes. 

My favorite time of day is just before nap time when we snuggle on the couch.  I love holding you.  I know those moments are fleeting as pretty soon you will be too big to snuggle in mommy’s lap.  I can’t bear to think about that day.  For now, I will enjoy the moments we have. 

Oh, Minnow there is so much more I could say. There is so much more you have done.  But today at the end of your birthday all I can remember is you taking my face in your hands, kissing me and saying “gnite mama.” 

Good Night Minnow.  Happy Second Birthday.  I look forward to many many more.