Happy Birthday Brooke!

Happy Birthday Brooke!

My sweet baby girl turns 2 today! It is hard to believe that this time two years ago I was walking the halls of the hospital trying to start labor. You can read Brooke's birth story here.

Dear Brookie Boo,

My sweet first born. I'll never forget the day your daddy and I found out we were going to be parents. We were scared, anxious, and don't worry, excited to know you were coming into our lives. We talked about our hopes for you and dreamed up who you might be. We talked about names and how we would decorate your nursery. On my 22nd birthday we found out that we would be having a girl. A precious little girl. I told everyone I would be happy with a healthy baby and gender did not matter, but oh how I rejoiced when I found out you were a little girl. I pictured little pink onesies, hair bows, tutus, dance recitals, etc. And on October 15, 2008, almost 4 weeks early, you came into our lives. I remember that day clearly. Daddy and I spent the day watching old One Tree Hill episodes waiting for you to make your appearance. And after you were born and I finally had you in my arms, I kindly asked the nurse to put on the Phillies game. They were playing for the pennant and you know what, they won. On your birthday. I like to believe you brought them a bit of luck that day. Your Grammy, Poppy, Aunt Jena, and Uncle Wes were all is the waiting room, anxious to meet you. Your Nonna and Papa made immediate plans to drive in from Philly to see you. You were so loved, even before you arrived.

Brooke, you have become such a sweet little girl and Daddy and I cannot wait to see who you become. You are so kind and loving and sensitive to those around you. You love to cuddle and watch movies. You love to sit and read books, play pretend with your dolls, and when Daddy needs a little bit of tomboy, you love to build blocks and knock them over. Speaking of Daddy, you are such a Daddy's girl. He is the first person you ask for each morning, I can hear you underneath your door calling for him. And when I open the door and you see it is me you say, "Hi Mommy, Daddy working..." When you hear the garage door open you yell, "Daddy's home!" and suddenly I don't matter for the rest of the night. You only acknowledge me when it is bed time and you need your good night kiss. But that's okay. I have you to myself all day long and we have plenty of fun together. I love how much you love your Daddy, and I know he loves it too.

Brooke, you also love your Grammy, Poppy, Aunt Jena, and Uncle Wes. This past year you have become so aware of who these people are and what they mean to you. You ask several times a week to go see Grammy and Poppy, and many times we are able to take you there. It is nice to have family nearby to share time with, and I hope one day you appreciate this for yourself. They love you dearly and that means the world to me. I also love that you love them dearly, just about as much as you love Daddy and I. It is important to have these close family bonds.

And lastly Brooke, you are such a wonderful big sister. I had some fears when we brought Molly home that you would be jealous and act out. But boy was I wrong. You are nothing but kind and gentle to your little sister and I can see in your eyes that you adore her. And you know what, she adores you too. You don't realize it but when you walk into her line of sight she lights up. One day she will look up to you and want to be just like you, and I know you will be a great example for her. You like to help hold her arms while I change her diaper, you bring me a tissue when she sneezes and a cloth when she spits up, and when Molly is screaming and I can't get to her right away, you put on my nursing cover and pretend to feed her. Because that is what you see and what you have taken in. Your mind is such a little sponge.

Love you forever, Love you for always

Mommy [with special mention from Daddy]

Brand New

1 Year Old

2 Years Old