Oh Gracie, you won’t believe this, but you will never truly understand the joys you have brought your mother and me.  You’re almost two now and your mom and I have never been happier.  Since the day you were born you have brought us unrivaled bliss.  You have come a long way from your days in the swaddle.  We can’t believe how much you have grown.  Hearing you sing your ABCs, 123s, and Twinkle Twinkle Little Star really brings warmth to our hearts as parents.  Watching you independently grow by feeding yourself, walking up to your bed for nap time by your lonesome, and coloring and painting in your chair makes us so proud.  It makes us think we are doing things right as parents!  We see so much of us in you, yet you remain your own little self.  We respect that notion and always will…

I know the days when it’s just you and me in the garage hanging out, I sometimes talk to you like you’re a grown up.  I appreciate you listening to my rants while you chalk on the driveway.  I don’t know why I do it.  I get frustrated with society.  I love sports.  They are both on my mind.  The naïve-ness and danger of the world can be so discomforting yet the education of it is necessary. And Jordan Spieth’s golf game is just downright dirty.  I think I really do it all in preparation for talks I’ll have to have with you when you are a young adult.  I’m just getting in my practice.  The world is a crazy place.  It’s so uncertain that some couples out there decide to not even have children.  I know right? I’m so serious though…

But that’s not your parent’s style Gracie.  That’s not us.

I know that recently when I pointed to mom’s tummy and said “baby” and you yelled “NOOOOOO” in response, you were trying to correct any confusion that it was in fact her tummy and not a baby.  But I gotta break it down for you Gracie, grown up style…

There is actually a baby in mom’s tummy.  Your little sibling is hanging out in there. That’s what I’ve been trying to tell you, sorry for all the confusion.

On March 19, 2016 you’ll be a big sister.  This requires a lot of responsibility, but we know you will be up to it.  We both smile everyday knowing how awesome of a job you are going to do.

Peace and Carpe Diem!