Happy (late) birthday to our little girl.

Marleigh Anne,

I can not believe you are two years old! I can remember so clearly when you were born. I was so scared. As soon as you were born, you let out the smallest cry. I remember thinking to myself, "that's her way of telling me she'll be okay." Marleigh, you are more than just "okay". You are the most amazing little girl I have ever met. You have an inner strength that has helped you over come so much in your short life. I am honored and privileged to be your mother.

Your Daddy and I love to sit and watch you play in the evenings. You enjoy getting in and out of chairs. Mickey Mouse is one of your favorite companions, and you talk to him all the time. Sometimes you sit him in your chair, and carry on converstations. You have many "pretties" that are a favorite as well. They are usually around your neck or in your purse. You put them in your purse, then put your purse on your shoulder and tell us, "goin' shopping!" Lately, you have been wearing Mommy's swimsuit bottoms around your neck as a "pretty" as well. No matter what drawer I hide them in, you always find them. I'm sure the reason you love them so much is that they are pink, your favorite color.

You love your Daddy very much. Whenever you do something or have something new, the first thing you say is, "I show Daddy!" Daddy plays with you a lot. He is always doing funny things to get you to laugh. We hear, "Silly Daddy," from you quite often, followed by adorable giggles. You and Daddy also watch country videos and dance together. It is something special that I will always remember. You enjoy "helping" Daddy in his office. He lets you sit with him at his desk and type on his computer. You smile from ear to ear while "helping" your Daddy.

Everyone that knows you well, is impressed by your vocabulary. You pretty much talk non-stop all day, but I think you come by that naturally. Both Daddy and Mommy have been known to be a bit chatty. You have started saying, "I love you so much!" It melts my heart everytime. Many times you will say something and either Daddy or I will ask each other, "where did she learn that?"

I am so proud of what a well-mannered little girl you have become. For the most part, you ask "please" and say "thank you" without being prompted. And when you burp, you smile shyly and say, "'scuse me." I have even caught you telling Daddy to say, "'scuse me," when he burps.

You are a very intelligent little girl. You now can count to 15 and say most of your ABC's. You visually recognize a few of the numbers and letters as well. You know all of your shapes, including "octagon", which I LOVE hearing you say! You love books and to read. Many of your books you will help me read. I'll say a few words, then you will say the next few. You also enjoy singing with Mommy. We sing "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star", "You are My Sunshine", "Amazing Grace", "Jesus Loves Me" and a few others. You really like music of any kind.

Marleigh, you have the sweetest spirit and a smile that brightens any room. You are such a happy little girl. With all the obstacles you have encountered in your short life, I wouldn't blame you at all if you were a fussy, unhappy toddler. But you're not. I fully believe that somehow you know how very precious life is already, and are just happy to be alive.

I have prayed for you so much. My prayers have changed over the past couple of years, and I'm sure they will as you grow and change. I hope you always know that Mommy prays for you daily. That is one of the most important things I can do for you as your mother. My prayer for you now is that you continue to grow and learn. Not only in your everyday life, but also in your relationship with God. I pray that your Daddy and I teach you about God and that we are a good example for you. I truly believe that God has a very special purpose for your life, and I am thrilled He chose me to be your Mommy, so that I can see His plan unfold.

I love you more than you know,

Mommy