Happy 2nd Birthday Aria

Aria's first day.

Aria's 1st Birthday

Aria's 2nd Birthday

Dear Aria,

Happy 2nd Birthday! You loved your decorations and traditional birthday balloons. You cheered each time you saw the streamers in the hallway. You've sang "Happy Birthday" to yourself a couple dozen times. You don't know it now, but we've only just begun. And while we'll only celebrate your birthday for a week or so, know that we celebrate you each and every day.

Today your Dad and I shared with you little bits that we recall from your birth. How you screamed into the world. Your full head of dark hair and the purple bow he picked out to adorn it. Your sweetness from the get-go, with an insatiable desire to cuddle. And then the rest clicks by at a dizzying pace like thumbing through a large picture book.

You are our solar flare. Your fiery personality is magnetic. Your sharp blue eyes and sweet smile capture everyone's attention. Independent and resourceful, you continue to amaze your Dad and I at how quickly you can figure things out. We are constantly on our toes, admiring your smarts while trying to out maneuver your cleverness. You are not afraid of anything except worms and babies. You love to dance and sing. We love to watch you observe Roland and instantly mimic - perfectly - what he is doing. You are strong and determined, but also sensitive and thoughtful. You show surprising compassion and generosity. We love your voice, and how each day we get to hear your vocabulary grow.

But of all the wonderful details that make you ours and we adore, our favorite thing is your fierce hugs. You have the ability to put both arms around our necks and take our breath away. Add to that one of your earnest kisses and we're numb with happiness. Picking you up from school or greeting you at home is the highlight of every single day, second only to that final hug from you as we tuck you in to bed.

We can't wait to see what year two holds for you and all the new things we'll learn about you. We love you,

Mom and Dad