Happy 2nd Birthday, Maren!

Maren,
Holy toledo, you're two! Two! Two?!! How did this happen?! We're just about as peach-proud as parents can be of a little one. You're bright, hilarious, imaginative, sweet, thoughtful, careful, determined, and darn-tootin' cute. You're so much more (of everything!) than we could have ever imagined. You have stretched our hearts another few sizes bigger than they were before you came into the world; and we now understand in ways that are quite inexplicable what life is really all about.

We've been talking a lot about your birthday: helping you tell everyone how old you are (you say "I'll be two!" quite proudly), and explaining about the party, the cake, the guests, the presents... This is the first birthday you may remember, and so we hope it's a truly wonderful one for you. You'll be surrounded by many people who love you, including, of course, us. (And also the purple cake you requested, to be made by your aunt Kate.)

In honor of the quite amazing past two years, we've created this little video. We tried to make it joyful - like you - but somehow we always end up in tears at the end of it. It's a bit heartbreaking to already be at the end of year two... and to know that soon enough- oh so soon! - you'll be on to the next thing (and the next, and the next...). Parenting is continually bittersweet: you will never stop growing and challenging and learning and changing, and we are the sidelined cheerleaders. Each step you take is a step further into the person you are and will become in this world. It's an incredible and awe-inspiring journey to be a part of and observe. We are full of wonder about you and all you've brought into our lives in the last two years.



We love you, sweet Maren. Happy Birthday.

love,
Mom and Dad