Elsie Jane,

Today as we walked through Target, you were belting out the words to “I’m Trusting You” and you didn’t care in the least about what anyone thought of you. That right there, is what I want to remember about you as a two year old–your unashamed, joy and contagious excitement. You love life to the fullest and then some–and It’s the best, the absolute best! 

It’s now the Eve of your 3rd Birthday and I’ll be honest, I’ve been on the verge of tears all day. Watching you grow has been one of the greatest joys of my life, but I’m ever aware that with each new year, comes more independence–and while that is such a wonderful and necessary thing, I just want to savor these days for everything that they are, because they are only for right now. These truly are the BEST days of my life. Being your mama is such a gift, Elsie Jane, don’t you ever forget that. 

I caught myself savoring your twoness a little extra today, your last nap as a two year old, your last dinner, bath, hug, kiss, ugga mugga and “good night” 

I saw how you worshipped in church today, and in the aisles at Target when you sang, and the joy you had being out in God’s creation. I saw how you said good morning to your baby sister and welcomed her into a new day, how you held onto her so gently in church and hugged her after nap-time. I saw how you jumped down the deck steps and found every puddle on the way to the car. I saw how you hugged your daddy good night, and held onto his hand as we went to the store. I saw how you read through your books and played with your dollhouse–setting everything up in just the right way. I saw how looked into my eyes as I sang to you before bed, and I heard your beautiful voice when you joined in. I saw it all, and I whispered my praise and gratitude to the Father again and again.

As daddy and I tucked you into bed tonight, we both lingered a bit longer than usual, soaking in every last ounce of your 2nd year of life. We adore you Elsie Jane, and we are so proud of who you are, and who you are becoming. 

You started this year with wisps of hair, a handful of words, and a crib for a bed– still our baby girl in so many ways. But as the days turned into weeks, and weeks months, you shed the last little bit of baby resemblance–now a big girl in every sense of the word, and if it’s possible, we love you more every day. 

 This year has been a BIG one for you. Your vocabulary has grown by 200% (at least), you upgraded to a big girl bed, you went to ballet for the first time, and among so many other things, you became a big sister. We’ve had hard days and simple days, beautiful days and extravagant days. But through it all, you’ve grown a day at a time into a beautiful three year old. 

You have an adventurous-yet-timid spirit, which lends itself to inner excitement and joy in the known, and some needed encouragement and spoken courage in the unknown. As long as you feel safe, there are few limitations that hold you back– Keep stepping out brave girl, you have so many gifts and ideas to give–you are capable of more than you know!

Welcome to year three Elsie Jane! There is so much adventure and joy to be had in this next year of life. Your daddy and I love you so! Our prayer for you this year is that you will be confident in who God has created for you to be–stepping into all He has for you, with joy and peace. May your days be filled with His love and leading. The best is yet to be. 

“…

Life will be crazy, wild and amazing, I’m trusting you God, you are good…”

Love you, Forever and Always,

Your Mama