Letters to Klara: 2nd Birthday

Dearest Klara Jean,

I walked into your room and woke you with the birthday song this morning. I had tears rolling down my cheeks as I sang to you because I was so overwhelmed with love for you, my sweet baby girl.  You sat right up and declared, “It’s my birthday! It’s so nice! Where my presents?” (So much for not raising a materialistic child!) You were so excited that I decided to let you open a present before we headed off for the day. Your excitement is contagious. How could anyone not smile when you do your crazy excited dance and scream?

I can’t decide what you’re most into these days. Trains? Horses? Toy Story? Books? Stickers? To be honest, there’s not much you don’t love, and your love is met with such a pure joy.  You are the best person to buy a gift for because you get so excited. I thought you were going to cry tears of joy over the polka dot shirt Yaya bought you at Costco the other day. The Woody doll Kiki and Jett got you (sorry Brandon and Violet)? It practically gave you a seizure.

You are so fiercely devoted to your little friends. You love “Chooch and Buggy,” Ava, “Nonie,” Jett, Violet, “Baby Gam,” Logan, Chandler, and Roman so, so much. When it’s been a while since you’ve seen them (or their mamas), you always ask about them. I feel that ache, too, Little Girl. We love and need our friends, and we’re not afraid to admit it. I hope you never forget to tell your friends how special they are to you. I know I don’t do it nearly enough.

You’re so emotional these days. (I wonder where you get that trait.) You cry when we part ways, when you don’t get your way, and when you (barely) get hurt. It tears my heart out when you cry as I leave—mostly because I feel the same way, wishing we could be together. You’re so sensitive. When I say, “Please don’t cry. It makes Mama sad,” you always respond with, “Make Mama sad? My happy. Make Mama happy” and quickly end your tears. You don’t want to cry if it’s going to hurt your mama.  I try not to guilt you into stopping your tears, but I also hate to see you cry.

I look back at your first birthday, and I can’t believe how much you’ve changed in a year. You talk non-stop, know your colors, can spell your name, know some letters and numbers, and are so very silly.  I can’t imagine how much you’ll continue to learn when you start preschool next week. You often speak in such grown-up ways saying things like, “Thanks, Mom!” and “Not sure.” You can re-tell many of your books, and spying on you while you “read” is one of my favorite pastimes. You’re growing so quickly, and, although I miss my tiny baby, I also love to watch you grow.

Your personality is magnetic. As you grow older, I hope you continue to draw people to you and use your influence for good. Be a bright light, Klara. Live up to that name of yours.

All my Love,

Mama