Izzy Dude, how are you two?! This last year has absolutely flown by. Heck , the last two years have flown by! It’s hard to believe that two years ago, I was laboring hard in a hot shower at the hospital, trying to get my body to relax so you could be born. Tonight, I’m sitting on the couch while your dad helps you drift off to sleep.

Where do I even begin?

The first year was intense. There were moments of pure joy and amazement and moments of despair and confusion. I felt so much pressure to do everything perfectly and by-the-book, but you taught me to trust my instincts. You taught me to tune into the non verbal conversations you were having with me. You taught me to sloooowwww down, something that’s still kind of tough for me, but I’m getting better at it.

I felt myself literally relax after your first birthday and have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know the bright, funny, loving, adventurous toddler you’ve grown into. This year has had its challenges, of course. There’s a learning curve to every change, but honestly, this year has been amazing.

You’re talking SO MUCH. Like so so much! You'‘re putting small phrases together. Like tonight, you clearly asked your dad to go brush your teeth. You’re a complete sponge, soaking up all of our mannerisms, reactions, and words. It’s humbling to know you’re watching us with such attention. We want nothing more than to be the best examples we can be for you.

What might be my favorite thing you’re doing right now is memorizing your favorite stories. You know the pacing of Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, of Llama Llama Red Pajama, of Giraffes Can’t Dance, of Five Little Monkeys. You know your favorite parts and you dramatically act out the big moments with me and with your dad. When you do that I see myself as a little girl, memorizing and soaking up my favorite stories, committing them to memory. It’s just another way your life is a gift to us — being your mom has helped me remember some of the things I’d forgotten about myself as a child.

Oh and don’t get me started on your singing. You’re learning the words to your favorite songs like Old McDonald, and a bunch of your Sesame Street and Lion King favorites, but you’ll also sing certain parts of the pop songs I like. You love music in general, whether it’s playing on a drum kit at church (when we were able to meet at church — this pandemic has kept us home) or playing on your piano, or even dancing with me when I dance, I love witnessing you experience music. I can’t wait to see if and what you decide to play one day.

You’re a natural helper. Whenever there are groceries to put away, you help without any prompting. We don’t even expect you to help, but you see what we’re doing and you’re such a part of this little team that you start grabbing stuff and handing it to us. Seriously, Isaac, how many times can I say you’re a joy to be around?

Another thing, let’s talk about how much you love to run. You rarely walk anywhere and being pregnant makes it hard to keep up with you. It’s one of the solver linings of your dad being forced to work from home: he can jog while you run to make sure you’re safe. You’re remarkably good at knowing where on the sidewalk to stop and wait for us to give you the all clear to cross the street, but once we say “go” you GO. You’re obsessed with your bike and jumping (on your trampoline, on the couch, on the bed, on your dad) and you’d play outside or in water literally all day if we let you. You notice trees and rocks and ardillas (squirrels) and the letter O wherever you go.

Ok last thing, because I could probably stay up all night listing all the cool and funny and sweet things you do right now. You’re an affectionate kiddo. You love snuggling with us, holding our hands (as long as we’re not walking somewhere), you rub your feet your feet together when you’re reading or watching TV. You randomly come up to us and say “hug!” and go in for a squeeze. It melts our heart when you do. You have such a sweet nature and gosh, I will forever be thankful I get to be your mama.

Your dad and I often say we gave you the perfect name. Your name means “laughter” and not only have you given us plenty of laughs, you’ve brought us immense joy. Happy Birthday, my sweet boy. I can’t wait to see how you grow in this next year. ✨

Love you forever,

Mama

notes for izzy: happy second birthday!