Definitions

Harper: aka Peanut, Harps, baby sis, sass, love bug.  Full of life and a solid vocabulary. Quick to pick up on new phrases and jokes. Opinionated and strong willed but sweet and ready to make amends. Our real life sour patch kid at times.  Admired for your free spirit.  Often acts like the older child and not afraid of a time out (or 2). Affectionate and silly all in one. You know what you want, when you want it. Driven and passionate. Usually the first one up in the morning and never upset at the rising sun. You dance around with caution as if you know the ground below you isn't always stable. Wise beyond even your understanding. Never ready to go to sleep but always tired enough. You make us giggle and yell all in one breath. Your eyes and smile light up our hearts and life just wouldn't be as memorable without you. 

Landon: aka Bubba, bubbster, landozer, mister, handsome. The goofiest kid we know. The compassionate one and such a lovie.  You are the first to give up a toy to avoid an argument or bring a toy to stop someone's tears. A true boy with a "I want to fix it" attitude. Your heart is bigger (and wiser) than your years. Our  solid boy who doesn't realize his strength both physically and mentally. You can melt us with your big blues and drown us in your whines.  Always ready for a nap because you put 100% into everything you do.  We can always count on you to lighten the mood and love your dance moves.  You remind us to just be in the moment and love whole heartedly. 

Patience

My sweet babes -

Next week you turn 2.  I'm still not sure how that happened or where the time went. I look back at pictures of you and I remember it so vividly and murky all in one. Did I ever get to snuggle your 5 pound little bodies?  I hardly remember it if I did.  Constantly worried about the next feeding or nap or item on my agenda...but then again I remember every detail. How I was so worried about Landon because he was so tiny (something we chuckle about now because he looks like he doesn't miss a meal).  I clearly remember Harper "singing" to us from early on and knowing from the moment she was born that she would have her mothers' sass. 

Whether I remember every detail or "milestone" or not, I know for certain that over the last 2 years you both have taught me more about patience than I ever thought possible. Patience in those 2am feedings that I wanted to end so badly but now would welcome just to hold you.  Patience in the way you first scooted up and down the stairs, taking forever and prolonging every event.  Patience in breakfast, lunch and dinner. I am certain that Harper can drag out a meal all day if we let her. Patience to teach and show rather than command and yell. It is a constant lesson you bestow upon me. 

"Slow down, Mom. Enjoy the moment.  Have patience in me and see how I do".  

Okay, babes.  I will. I'll be patient as you choose your shoes for the day or what truck to bring to daycare.  I'll be patient as your little feet pitter patter down the sidewalk and we are late for our appointments. I'll be patient as you wiggle and squirm too tired to sit still but not tired enough to fall asleep.  

I'll be patient. 

Because I didn't know it at the time, but I really did wait my whole life for you and couldn't imagine it any other way.  So turn 2, go ahead.  I can't stop that, but I can be extra patient this week in hopes of savoring every lasting moment of this year.