Dear Rachel,

(The photos here are from Rachel's

2nd birthday portrait session at Sears in March.

Bitty Baby joined us this time:))

Dear Rachel,
my darling, darling daughter,

I have been thinking about this all week,

and as you sleep soundly in your crib

I feel compelled to write a letter to you.

Every night after our stories and talks

and giggles and hugs,

I tuck you in, give you your blankies,

kiss your teddy bears and

place them both into your arms

and walk out of your room.

I do this with a smile

because you continue to blow me kisses

even after I'm out of sight.

I know because

I can hear your little lips smacking.

I pray you never ever stop.

I love how when I whisper

"I love you, Sweetheart,

get some good sleep

and Mommy will see you in the morning",

you give me your confirming "uh-huh".

I cannot help but smile

and stand outside your nursery door

with my eyes closed for a moment.

I wonder if you know I am still there.

I stand there with happy tears in my eyes

and silently thank God

and everyone responsible

for blessing us with such a sweet girl.

That is what you are, my darling girl...

sweet, smart, fun, adorable, loving, kindhearted,

generous with hugs and kisses and so much more.

You are so many wonderful things.

Mommy could write a whole letter

of just the beautiful words describing

all that you are at just age 2.

But tonight I want to tell you

about all the things I love about you...

I love how you sit on my lap in the rocker

each night after I read the stories

and listen intently

while I talk about what we did all day.

I love how you insert your little affirmations,

sometimes even in a very excited tone...

a big smile and "uh-huhhhhhh!!!".

It is so sweet how sometimes

you just lean forward and kiss my cheek

without me even asking.

These moments I cherish.

I love your "squeeze hugs"!

They are the best.

I think Sheena is even starting to enjoy them.

I felt so bad today that we missed Art Class,

but I think we both needed our naps.

I loved our walk though.

You get so excited when you see

the trees, flowers, cars, birds,

dogs and other people.

You are so sweet to say "hi" to them

even if they ignore you.

I love how you listen

when Mommy asks you to do something.

It's like you know that

I am only trying to keep you safe.

You were such a big help to me

when you carried your blankie and sippy cup

into the house for me.

I love how you wait for me

and how you know

I will always be there to help you

walk up the steps or

with whatever you need.

I cherish how you love and trust me so.

I think it is sweet

how you always ask about

Daddy and Doggy

when they are not around.

How are you so

thoughtful and considerate

at such a young age?

I love how you help me...

by bringing me Sheena's dish for food,

by carrying clothes to the washer,

by trying to let doggy outside

when she needs to go,

by trying to wipe her paws and tushy

when she comes back into the house,

by wanting to be the one

who gives her the treats,

by putting things into the sink,

or trash,

by unloading the dishwasher,

and most of all...

by picking up your toys and books

with me each night.

I love how when I tell you it is time for nap or bed

you head for the stairs and then your room!

It is so cute how when I say

it is time for the Bedtime Express

you say "Choo! Choo!".

I think Daddy gets credit for that.

I love how you come when I ask you to

and how you help me dress you.

I love how you can put on your own shoes

even though they are on the wrong feet

sometimes.

I love how you test me

but still make the decision to come.

I have to try hard not to laugh

when I ask you to come and

YOU count to three.

I guess it is a learning

opportunity in more ways than one.

At least you do come.

I love your sense of humor.

You love to laugh

and make others laugh too!

What a funny little one you are.

I love how curious you are

about everything.

It is so funny how you show you understand.

An example is when you draw on your DoodlePro

and shake your head "yes",

then when you pretend to draw on your books

and shake your head "no".

You show Mommy that you

really do understand.

I love how attentive you are

when we read books together.

I love when you read to me or Sheena.

I love how you do little things

to get me to sing songs to you.

It is cute how you know the hand motions to

"Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star",

"The Wheels on the Bus"

"Itsy Bitsy Spider" etc...

It is beyond adorable to watch you

dance around in circles

and jump up and down

to the songs that you love.

I love your version of the "Hot Dog Dance"

from The Mickey Mouse Clubhouse

and
"Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes".

I love how excited you get

when you see Ellen or Rachael Ray on TV.

If they only knew how many

"hi's" they get and

how many kisses you blow to them.

I think it is funny how you

love to watch

"Wheel of Fortune" now.

I am so proud of you when I ask you

to show me the letter "A" and

you point out examples everywhere.

I was impressed when you where able to

get the letters "B, C, D, and E" for me

off the refrigerator today!

I'm not sure if you just got lucky

or what but you only made one mistake!

I love what a good Mommy

YOU are already.

It was so sweet how upset you got when

your dolly fell out of the car and

onto the pavement at the grocery store yesterday.

I loved how, after I brushed her off and

wrapped her in your blankie,

you held her gently during our whole

shopping trip and even kissed her boo-boos.

I love how you help me grocery shop.

You are so good at picking out the

carrots, lemons, limes,

apples and sweet potatoes

and putting them into the bags.

Very helpful.

You are very good at paying the cashier too!

I love how compassionate you are.

You are so sweet to kiss Mommy's boo boo's

and try to make me feel better.

I know they heal faster

because of you.

I love how you let me hold you

"just for one more minute" sometimes.

You are so patient at times.

I love how you are willing

to share with others.

You do it at Gymboree class

by trying to give other children

instruments or balls or toys.

You also do it at home...

tonight you shared your yummy

apple slices with me.

I also think you shared some of your dinner

with Sheena.

I love how you say
"please" and "thank you".

Sweetheart,

I think I can write volumes about

all the things I love about you

and all the ways

you make me proud.

These are just some of the things

that have been on my mind this week.

Every time I look at you

my heart just swells with love and pride.

Sometimes I even get tears in my eyes.

I love how when I tell you why

you just smile and agree with me.

Your smiles are the best.

I love how much you smile and laugh

every single day.

You are our

happy, happy girl!

It is still so fun to see you smile and clap

when you hear the words

"Good girl, Rachel" or

"Thank you, Sweetheart. You are so helpful."

or "Mommy loves you so much, Rachel."

and so many others.

Mommy needs to say "good night" for now

as we have another very busy day

planned for tomorrow.

I hope you never get tired of hearing

how much we love you.

You are an Angel and make

Mommy and Daddy

so very happy and proud

every single day.

All my love,

Mommy