The Beauty That You Bring

Isobel!

It’s 3 days before your 2^nd birthday and life is good. It’s Friday and I just dropped you off at Trudie’s Daycare. You brought goldfish crackers in to share with everyone. The other kids were at the door anxiously awaiting your arrival, it seemed. You seem to talk and communicate more and better than the other kids your age. Sometimes you talk incessantly loud like you’re trying to make sure everyone else is hearing the same thing you are, like you aren't sure anyone else is hearing you… We hear you loud and clear, babe. You have the sweetest little voice I've ever heard and I treasure every mixed up word and sentence that comes out of your mouth. 

We stopped before walking into daycare, I wanted one more hug before the day took off. I don’t know when it’ll sink in, but your mom and I are always trying to tell you how much we love you. You don’t usually seem to get it, but I know so much more sinks in than you let on. You’re so bright, in every sense of the word. So we stopped to hug and you just let me hold you for a min or two. There’s nothing more special and calming than a hug from you. I know the day will come when I wont be able to hold you up in my arms, but that day is not today :P

Your brother is on the way. He’s growing so big right now and he’ll be here in late July. Our world as we know it will change forever, just like it did upon your arrival. 

Right after we found out you're getting a little brother!

We can’t wait to meet him and welcome him into our family. You’ll be a big sister for the rest of your life. But also, our time with just you will be over and… that’s kinda of sad because we don’t know how things will be. Having a new baby really shakes the world up and it takes some major adjustments. You’ll never remember your first 2 yrs on this planet as our only child. And eventually we won’t remember what it was like either. But I know now that it’s be the most incredible 2yrs ever (and we lived in Jamaica for 2 yrs!) and we’ll treasure it forever. You've taught us so much :*

But I think having a little brother is going to be awesome. You’ll always have someone to play with. A sibling is a relationship like no other; it’s a best friend for life. And if you’re any indication as to how he’ll be, he’s going to be amazing too.

I don’t know much else at the moment. I’m at work putting off work because I’m bored with my job, but that just gives me more reason to get outta here and come home to spend time with you and mom.

We’re building a back porch tomorrow and then Sunday is your birthday party! I hope someday you get to see just how incredibly happy you make everyone around you. The beauty and joy that you bring into this world... 

You just hopped up on the bed and started "reading" all by yourself

...you're just so bright. We love you.

you & cat

This song has been on repeat this past month. He's struggling so much with the weight of sadness in the first half, but then the 2nd half comes in and the music changes and there hope and he says, "My brother had a daughter/The beauty that she brings/Illumination"... And I feel like that... Being a grownup gets old, but the beauty that you bring to our world... it's beyond words... and I don't know if I've ever been as thankful for anything in my life.