Tomorrow...

Annika Joy turns two.

Two years ago tomorrow, when she arrived, I experienced a rush of emotions I was not expecting... and the Lord has taken me on a journey in Mommyhood I did not see coming. What a gift.

Oh, Annika. I am so thankful for you.

You remind me to laugh, and that being silly never gets old...

and it makes me laugh when you start to cry and then get distracted by something and totally forget you were upset...

I love that you can play all day with just your Tupperware cups and a spoon.

I love your resourcefulness and creativity... how boxes are for playing in, and buttons can be cookies that are "yummeeeee" or flowers that "'mell. good."

I love that you are SUCH a sweet big sister. You make each other giggle and I thank the Lord for the fun you have and are yet to have...

I love that you are starting to love books... and I love when you say the words along with me:
"Chicka, chicka... BOOM BOOM!"

I love that you love your desserts: "more? Pease? more? pease?" and will do or say almost anything to get more.

(Daddy makes you say "I love you" before most bites.)

I love that you love to dance with me: "Mama? Dance."

It doesn't get much better than dancing with you while praising the Lord and laughing... those are the moments where I think "wow, and Heaven is going to be better than this...!"

What joy.
Love you, sweet girl!