Happy Birthday Baby Girl!

Dear Amanda,

Our dear sweet baby girl, now you are two! It is unbelievable that you my darling girl are two. You scream like a toddler, and say NO with the enthusiasm of a toddler, but as I watched you tonight walk around in the same outfit you wore last summer, I had to remind myself... did this past year really happen? Oh yes.. yes it did. You started walking, and talking this year... not just little words, you were too smart for that, you bypassed single words, and went straight to phrases.

Early this year we sat in the doctors office discussing developmental milestones... you weren't walking or talking, and the doctor looked at the concern on our faces and smiled and said... "She's not behind, she's just got a bad case of princess syndrome. Every one does it all for her, she has the world on a string." And Amanda, you totally know what you want and how to get it. It is a talent that will serve you well in the future.

I think back to pregnancy and am overwhelmed with the love we have for your birthparents. We spent a lot of time with them, getting to know them, and getting to know you. Then we got a phone call you were trying to come early. The next two weeks were spent on pins and needles anxiously waiting your arrival, but wishing you would stay inside for just a bit longer.

You arrived, and we sat on the freeway in traffic knowing you were born and waiting for us. It was TORTUROUS! We saw your birthfamily first, and a nurse wheeled you in, and your birthmom handed you over to me. You were asleep and I promised right then and there you'd always have more shoes than your father and brother combined.

Then I handed you to your dad, who had to unwrap your blankets and count your fingers and toes! Once they were all accounted for, he rubbed noses with you and you wrapped your fingers around his declaring once and for all you were his daughter.

The next day was a whirlwind, and soon we were home with you. And the next year was a bigger whirlwind mostly involving lots of doctors and getting you to eat. You have overcome A LOT in two years. You and I spent a lot of late nights chatting over a warm bottle the first two years.

You are an amazing girl with an infectious laugh and zest for life. You think Skoopi is your horse and Nathan is your servant. You are tiny, but oh so mighty. In your two short years you have taught me so much about faith, and you have taught me to trust my insincts. I hope I can return the favor and teach you the same lessons.

Today we pause and give thanks for you, the lessons you've taught us, and your courageous birthparents.

We love you!

Mommy & Daddy