The special thing about “two” // dear simone,

Dear Simone, 

The number two is special. It isn’t only special because you are officially two years old, it is special because it is a number that lived close to my heart since the start of high school.

During my first freshman year of high school, I remember choosing the number two as my jersey to wear on the basketball court. There was something about the number two that resonated with me. I loved it so much that it carried me to my freshman year of college. I was so excited about the number two jersey being available for me months after I signed my national letter of intent to play college ball. Those years of playing basketball were special for me and a part of me was sad when I laid down my tennis shoes and transitioned from the game for good. At the same time, I was excited about the new things I was going to discover.

If I am honest, those years of wearing the number two were challenging and rewarding. I went through so many changes developmentally that I didn’t even know I could handle it. But I know one thing, I owned that number. It was a number no one could take from me. 

The number two felt no longer a part of my story after my feet left the court—-until today. Today is the day you turn two years old as my firstborn daughter. Two is special because this means we get to celebrate your second year of life on Earth. This day is also special because I get to experience number two again. I will tell you that transitions are sometimes scary but exciting at the same time. That is how turning two is going to feel for both of us. It means that I have experienced two years since becoming a mother. It means that God is going to number our days together even more.

I am sure the age of two is going to teach us both a lot of things like doing something new or learning how to regulate our emotions. As you're growing + developing, I am too as your mother. 

When God blessed me to give birth to you two years ago, he knew exactly what I would need to raise you. I’m so glad that you’re not just my daughter, but you’re His daughter and you’ve already started to leave your mark on the lives of others.

In just two short years you’ve brought smiles to other’s faces and even made them laugh. You’ve blown kisses to strangers as it made mom cringe inside because, of boundaries. Oh yes, something we will learn together in year two.  You waved hello and even granted stares if you were just not in the mood to share your smile and that’s okay because I have those moments too. 

Year two is special because it marks another milestone that we’ve not yet seen. So as we hop into this new chapter, I’ll embrace all the things that come in twos; 

Two hands to give hugs. 

Two eyes to see new things. 

Two pigtails to wear with bows. 

Two feet to discover different places. 

Two years of growth and discovery.

Happy second birthday to my sweet girl Simone. I love you.