Happy 2nd Birthday, Cami!

August 2, 2009
My Dearest Cameron Juliet,
You woke up today a full-fledged two-year old. You are no longer my little baby, but now a beautiful, smart, strong-willed, funny, loving little girl. I cannot believe how much you have grown this year and all of the accomplishments you have achieved. You were a shining star at your birthday party last night. So gracious and loving. This time last year I did not think I could be any more proud of you. Yet, you continue to make my heart swell with love and pride for you.
There are so many things I adore about you—too many to even try to adequately write about, but here are just some:
I love how smart you are. You know all of your colors, and all of the Sesame Street characters’ names. You surprised me with being able to count to ten all on your own. Where did you learn that?
I love how you made up your own name for milk. You call it “nahgoo” and now we all do too!
I love how affectionate you are. You love to give hugs and kisses to all of your family. In fact your hug is the best around, and it is know as the “Cami hug”.
I love how brave you are. You made me so proud when you started “school” and learned to love it. You made so many little friends and adored your teacher. You were brave and that helped make Mommy’s difficult journey back to work a little easier. You were strong when your mommy was at her weakest. I cannot thank you enough for that. You are an independent little girl, and I love that about you.
I love how your hair gets longer every day, and although it is sometimes a battle, you still let me put in the pigtails that have come to be so unmistakably “Cami”.
I love your facial expressions (trust me, these will get you into trouble later in life) and how your face gets more beautiful every day.
I love your voice. It is the sweetest little girl voice I have ever heard. I love hearing you try new words and sentences—even when they are repeating naughty words mommy should not have slipped and said in front of you!!
I love how good you are. You sleep well every night and never give us a hard time when we put you to bed or down for a nap. I love when you let me “rocky” you, but I secretly think it’s cute when you want your daddy to do it sometimes too.
I love how much you still love your crib. Never have you tried to crawl out of it. If you wake before we do, you simply read a book or hang out. You are never anxious to get out of your bed (that sounds like Daddy!). You will stay in there for hours, and have, just playing with all of your stuffed animals—making them all sit up and watch as you read to them or sing.
I love when you “perform” your favorite songs like, “The Itsy Bitsy Spider” or “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star”. I love when you take your bow.
I love how much your daddy loves you. I love when you two get to spend time together on the weekends, going to the golf store or watching “Barney” or “Princess”.
I love how you act out parts of your favorite movie, and I marvel at how you knew just by looking at the DVD box who the “bad guy” was. Where did you learn that, too?
Yes, my Baby Girl, you are nearly perfect in all ways except for your one vice. The Bink. I just don’t have the heart to take it away from you yet. It brings you so much joy, and I am not sure you could sleep without them--that’s right-- you need TWO in your crib with you!! So I think I’ll indulge you for one more year…
Cameron, you are quite simply my sunshine, my joy in life, my heart and my soul. As I often whisper in your ear, I could not possible love you any more than I already do. Happy 2nd birthday!
Love,
Mommy