I love you, my child

Elizabeth at two days old

Elizabeth at two weeks old

Elizabeth at one







Elizabeth at two

Today is Elizabeth’s second birthday (although she’s been telling everyone she’s two for the last few weeks). These two years have gone by fast and Elizabeth changes daily. It’s so nice to have this online forum to document her developments, her personality, and her appearance (she can never say, “What happened to all the pictures of me when I was young?”, or “What was I like when I was young?”!). I really think that the person you were in the past—the child, the daughter, the sibling, the friend—whether you remember that person or not, plays into your identity today. Remembrances and memories are something that give people hope about all they can be, all they hope to be, all they are at their core. Understanding who we were in the past allows us to see how the people who loved us first—our parents—saw us in the past (and still see us today), even when we may doubt ourselves, our abilities, and our identity. It gives us comfort and assurance. The same is true of God and how he feels about us (although to an even greater extent, I’m sure). I pray that Elizabeth never experiences these same fears and angsts in her own life, but if she does, she will know that she can always look back here to be reminded of who she really is, even when she may get off track for a while.

So, Elizabeth, on your second birthday, I want you to know how loved you are on this day and always. Your daddy and I are proud of you, and we will always love you. And no matter where you go or what you do, know that you are precious in our (and God’s) sight.