Dear Joel,

Today marks a milestone in not only your life, but the in life of our family as a whole. We have a two year old in the house, which we've had before. This time, however, we have a two year old without another baby or baby-soon-to-be. So, it goes without saying that you are our "special" two year old. The one that still gets to hold to the title of baby for a bit longer (when your siblings were two, they seemed SO old compared to the new baby around the house). Truthfully, the baby of the house role couldn't be filled more perfectly than by you. Yes, you. Our sweet baby Joel. The sweet one who still wants to rock and snuggle his little face against your chest as if he still feels the heartbeat that soothed him for months in the womb. The sweet one that prefers to be carried wherever he goes instead of walking by your side. The sweet one that drags a blankie around all day while sucking his thumb (shhhh...don't tell the dentist).

But, with as much as you melt our hearts with your sweetness and baby qualities, your tiny little self manages to prove that you definitely have two older siblings to keep up with! You've become quite the attention seeker and absolutely love to make other people laugh. You're known for making incredibly silly faces, singing random songs, or just saying wacky phrases in order to get reactions from those around you. You are also known for being rather strong willed and you certainly don't handle it well when things don't go your way. Many tears have been shed by your siblings because of the biting or hitting that you've done simply to have things go your way. You are very observant and always know what is going on around you. Though you don't talk as much as your siblings, you manage to make yourself heard (usually through the most unique, high-pitched scream we've ever heard come from a human being). You also manage to comprehend everything being said and done in your presence. Oftentimes, you bring things up that we never thought you would've heard or understood from an event or conversation that didn't involve you in the first place!

With as busy as things get, and as quickly as you seem to be growing up, we've had to be extra sure to savor the moments of your babyhood as it becomes a distant memory. Not all of them have been pleasant, but it has all been enjoyed with a lot more grace the third, and final, time around. The dread of teething came with the sweet reminder that each new tooth helped form a darling smile that we've grown to adore. The challenge of separation anxiety reminds us that you trust us and desire us more than anybody else. The middle of the night cuddles when you're sick remind us that we are blessed to have a child who is happy and healthy with the exception of a few little viruses here and there. No matter what it's been, it's been worth it to experience it with you, sweet boy. You are God's way of reminding us how precious parenthood and childhood are. That it goes all too quickly. That phases come and phases go. That when God tells us (in Ecclesiastes 3:1), there is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens, He knows just how precious each moment of watching you grow has been. We have loved every moment of the past two years with you, Joel. And we cannot wait to see so many more seasons come and go as you grow.

Love,
Daddy and Mommy