Dear Nora,
Time has flown by over the last couple years – it’s hard to
believe you’re already two! We’ve been celebrating you over the last week. Nana
and Papa just moved here from Carrollton, and Honey, Grandpa, Aunt Holly, Uncle
Tim, Caroline, and Wesley all drove down to celebrate your 2nd
birthday. You are so loved!
We celebrated your birthday together as a family at our
house. Mommy decorated everything so beautifully. It was a star-themed party,
and she worked so hard to make a star cake and have other star decorations. In
the days leading up to your party you would excitedly blurt out “party!”, or
“two!” or “star!” It was adorable.
On Sunday, we had our first-ever baby dedications at Real
Hope Community Church, and we got to dedicate you! Mommy read a nice letter to
you (from us), and we prayed over you. We pray for you every day, Nora, that
God would take care of you and draw you close to him. Mommy and I will do our
best to point you to him, but we know that God will do the real work on your
heart. It’s nice to be able to trust him about that.
Most days in the morning I see your tiny little head next to
my bed after my alarm goes off. You want to climb up and snuggle with me a
little bit (which I love). When I come home after work you are always excited
to see me. We play together on the floor, and you like for me to “fly” you (lie
on my back and hold you above me). You also like to just sit on the couch with
me and cuddle. I love those moments, and try to cherish each one.
In the evenings I give you a bath and get you ready for bed.
I love to brush your hair, because when I do we look in the mirror together and
laugh. You’ll often turn and look at the side of my face, and when I look back
you’ll laugh and look back at the mirror. Then I brush your teeth and play with
you for a few minutes before Mommy puts you to bed.
You definitely love your brother Luke and take an interest
in the things he likes. It’s so sweet to see you two watching Thomas the Tank
Engine together on the couch, and I love seeing you play together. You’re both
still learning how to share and play well together, but for the most part you
enjoy each other’s company. It’s clear he loves you and cares about you, and
you obviously look up to him. It will be so much fun to see your relationship
grow over the years.
Here are some of my favorite things that you say these days
(and their translations):
§
F’minut (I want you to pick me up and hold me
for a minute)
§
Stoot (Scoot, i.e. what you do when you’re
coming down the stairs)
§
Abgale (your friend Abigail)
§
Hold you! (I want you to hold me)
§
Tidar (guitar)
§
Muse Me (excuse me, said earnestly after you
toot)
§
Uv Uv (I love you song)
§
Dink dink (Skinnamarinkey dinky dink song)
§
Hat! (Sir Toppum Hatt from Thomas)
§
Kay (I’m ok, said usually after you cough or
something)
I could never fully articulate how much I love you, Nora.
You are beyond adorable, and I thank God every day that I have the privilege of
being your Daddy. I’m trying to fully enjoy and experience these days because
one day when you’re older I know I’ll look back and wish I could hold you at
this age one more time. So I’m going to squeeze those cheeks and cuddle with
you as long as I can!
Love, Daddy
