My baby isn't a baby anymore. She's TWO today. I'm totally in denial.
As we celebrate her life today I want to document a few things about the baby of our family so we can remember her sweet a kooky ways at this stage of her life.
Hannah is queen of facial expressions. The picture above perfectly captures her signature face…her coy look…she does this face all the time. She plays shy and will then break into a smile and embrace whoever she is trying to fake out. She's a lover. She gives the best hugs. She likes to make us laugh with her facial expressions, especially her surprised face. This girl is a character.
I had this strange expectation that because the third girl in my family of origin was mellow and easy going, Hannah would be too. NOT SO MUCH. Apparently we don't make mellow and compliant children (I can hear our parents laughing now). Just like her sisters, this girl is on-the-go, energetic, very curious/up to no good, spirited, and spunky. She is also squirmy (I honestly don't think she has ever cooperated for a diaper change), she's a very good climber, and she is getting FAST (and loves to run away from us). Hannah is quite good on scooters and skateboards and is always wanting to try a bike. One of her favorite antics is to sneak into the garage and hide under the car - yes fully under the car (yikes!). This little chickadee keeps us on our toes.
Hannah loves her sisters. "Abby" is usually the first thing she says when she wakes up and whenever her sisters are at school she will constantly say "Abby? Abby? Abby?". We are pretty sure she uses the name "Abby" for both sisters and we can't get her to say "Sam". She wants to do whatever her sisters are doing and is thrilled when she is included (which is definitely not all the time).
I am very happy to report that I finally have a Mama's girl. After being rejected by Abby for the better part of her life (when given the choice between Mommy or Daddy), I actually smile happily when Hannah only wants Mama at bed time. Thanks Hannah-banana…I will always be happy to put you to bed! That's not to say she doesn't LOVE her Daddy. Her enthusiasm when he walks in the door at dinner time is amazing…big eyes, huge smile, full speed ahead running into his arms…or leg.
A few other fun facts about Hannah: she loves the pool, but isn't so sure about the ocean...she hates loud noises, especially trucks...she was a terrible teether, but is a great sleeper/napper...she wishes she could walk around with her pacifier and two blankies all day long...she has just recently taken a liking to dolls...she is currently obsessed with cows and inquires about them daily ("A cow?"...this started a few weeks ago after seeing a dancing Chick Fil A cow on the street)...she has beautiful brunette curls in the back and has never had a haircut...she doesn't like to be held for more than 30 seconds (except by certain friends)...she loves dressing up, is NEVER ready to get out of a bath, is very independent and strong-willed (3 for 3 there), can wriggle out of most shopping cart seat belts, and she has the best belly laugh when she is being tickled.
Hannah completes our family beautifully. As the oldest of three girls I never imagined having a family of three girls myself. It is such a wonderful treat to raise and watch these three grow as individuals, and in their relationship with each other. Aside from a love for God, one of my deepest desires is that my girls are best friends. The other day when I picked them up from childcare at the YMCA the staff member said she'd never seen sisters who love each other so much. Made my day! Hannah is so lucky to have such wonderful big sisters to look out for and love her. We are so lucky to have this little lady in our life.
We love you sweet Hannah.
Happy birthday!
Here is Hannah's birth story which I will always enjoy re-reading every August 6th.
And some reflections from Hannah's first birthday and her birth announcement.
And some reflections from Hannah's first birthday and her birth announcement.
