Sweet Hank - on your second birthday

Everyone told me when I was pregnant with Hank that boys were so different. Honestly I didn't buy into it. I thought well that is great for you but my girls are my everything and there is no way I will feel differently about a boy. Well 2 years later I can say having a boy is SO different and so lovely in its own special way. There is no way to measure the love we have for our children and I love each of my children in their own little special way. All three of my kids have my entire heart but there is a Ucy (what he calls Lucy) watch me" "I want to come with you" - they love him too so they gladly include him. Lola and Hank have a feisty relationship they love to pester each other and I am happy to report rarely involves tears. They chase each other around the house, the play together, love to wrestle with each other. Lucy is Hanks other mommy. She is his helper, his support and lets him and helps him to anything. Hank laughs at Lucy constantly and when Lucy finds something that makes him giggle she will do it for hours. Adam and I feel so blessed that the dynamic of our children is evolving this way and we pray that they continue to love, entertain and be the best of friends.

difference in the way the girls love me and the way Hank loves me. In turn it brings a different bond between him and I. No matter how you slice it Hank is a Mommas Boy and I am so grateful. He wants to be next to me all the time, he wants to have his hand on me, he wants to snuggle, he wants to hug, he wants to play with me, help me and talk to me. I couldn't love it more. At this point with the girls they were much more independent wanting to do tasks on their own, Hank says "Mom help me". He is the happiest little boy in the world. He laughs at everything and his spirit is so much like Adam's. Nothing bothers him, he sees the good in everyone even at the young age of 2. He loves his sisters more than anything and he calls their name most of the day. "Lola,

Hank is talking so much and is speaking in full sentences, sometimes it is hard for others to understand but to all of us we know exactly what he is saying. He loves being busy, swimming, running, being sweating & jumping (on our furniture which I have been fighting all my kids on). He is obsessed with cars, trucks, tractors, boats, airplanes - you name it if it is a moving big machine he is all about it. He loves when sports are on tv and typically claps no matter what is going on. He loves bath time and giggles almost the entire time. He has started to use the big boy potty - he has dissevered this on his own and I have not encouraged it too much thinking he is young. However he hates his diaper and most of the time when we are home he is without it - so it makes potty training a whole lot easier.

Hank you are such a joy and I feel blessed to be your mom. I pray that you grow up always seeing and seeking the good in people and always interested in discovering more about life. I pray most importantly that you discover a deep relationship with God at a young age and walk closely with him. That you make decisions that are wise and God centered, and when you don't that you learn to make things right. I pray that you are a picky person when it comes to friends and girls - your friends will help build who you are when Dad and I are not around. Pick the best of friends, the ones who make you happy, that build you up, that believe in you, that stand up for you, that have fun with you and that make you the best person you can be. Girls, girls, girls, I know there will come a day when you start liking girls and thats a good thing but remember to be smart and very picky on the girls you allow into your heart. Dad and I have already began praying for your future wife so that your life will be blessed with much love. Also, be good to your sisters - they were your first best friends, stand up for them, love them, give them bear hugs and make them feel so special.

Hank you are destined for greatness and each day we get to parent you is a blessing. Thank you for being the sweetest greatest little two year old. My heart bursts with joy being your mom. I love you to pieces!