Oliver's birthday post.

To my sweet Oliver---
You may have started out life with a bang and every day since has been an adventure.  Not much slows you down or phases you in the littlest bit.
You are tough.
You are strong willed.
You are a lover.
You are perfect.

A normal day with you involves racing up and down the hallway (at full speed).  Bouncing on Rody who is winning in the bucking contest (he sent you to get your eyebrow glued shut not too long ago) but you still love him.  Riding your toys outside with wild excitement.  I have come to believe you should probably wear a helmet 24 hours a day.  But you like to wear a yellow construction hat, a fireman's helmet, or a Colts' football helmet more.

You do slow down for a sippy cup of milk.  A book about animals or trucks.  Playing with your new car race track. A bowl full of goldfish.  You are a little one that knows what he wants and your sweet little face often gets it.  But you don't use your words much right now.  There is a bunch of pointing.  Grabbing us by the hand to lead us to what you want.  Hadley telling others exactly what you need (which could be one reason for your lack of words).  Or yelling (yes yelling) 'mommy' or 'daddy'.

You give the sweetest little kisses although sometimes you say 'nah' (no) first.  You love to wake up with a hug.  A full on arms around the neck, head on the shoulder hug.  It is the best way to wake up.  You love to snuggle on the couch.  My most favorite thing is when you jump up and down into Rice's arms after he is done with school for the day.  You love your brother and sister.

This year of 2 will be a big year for sure.  I am sure your vocabulary will take off.  You already say new words almost daily.  You will be a little closer to being the big boy you crave to be.  You may learn to swim.  You may learn to climb almost anything at the park (you are awfully close already).  You may learn to ride a bike.  I don't know all the things you will learn to do but I do know you will do everything with passion.  A passion for fun, for excitement, for life.  I don't want you to lose that passion or drive.  It will serve you well in life.  You will go far.

Here is to a great year of being 2...may the crying fits be few and far between and the smiles and belly laughs stick around forever!