2nd Birthday Letters from Uncies

Last year to celebrate Carter's first birthday I asked his grandparents and uncles to write him a birthday letter to go along with the letters Ty and I would write him.  The letters could share anything about favorite memories, experiences, or just what they loved about him.  I used the letters as posts during his birthday week as a countdown to his first birthday.  As his birthday approached this year I thought back fondly to all the loving words he received and how much the letters would mean to him in years to come.  Then I thought why not make it a yearly tradition for his birthday?  So I contacted everyone and they all were on board.  I'm excited to continue such a loving tradition for our sweet Carter man!  Here's his first set of letters for his 2nd birthday, from his beloved uncies!  Read the letters they wrote him last year here.


Uncie Jeremy:

Dear Carter, 

You are the cutest nephew and the highlight of my week when I get to watch you.  You are growing and developing so fast that it is difficult to sift through all of the best memories this past year.  Your becoming more verbal has been a great deal of fun.  There isn’t much better than coming over to visit and being welcomed at the door by your excited cries of “uncie.”  I always enjoy it when you play with my cat Mr. Jones and call him “Jones.”  My favorite example of this is when at “Oma’s” and “Opa’s” Mr. Jones got into a children’s buggy and you pulled him down the hall and pushed him back.  When Oma started talking to you you turned to her and said in some excitement “Jones!” letting her know that you were pushing him in the buggy.

       

One of my favorite specific memories of this past year was being there when you took your first steps.  It was remarkable to see you learn to walk and it was so great how you walked to every one of us in the room to include us all.  Now not only can you walk, but you can run and jump.  I enjoy how happy you nearly always are and how much you love music and dancing.  It is always fun to play music and watch you immediately start grooving to it.  It’s equally entertaining when you want everyone to participate with you.   

I absolutely love that you share a love for books.  I get a tremendous amount of enjoyment out of you picking out a book you wish to have read and bringing it to me so that I can read it with you.  Your ability to associate different animals, shapes, colors and various items (from airplanes to “choo choo trains”) makes the reading of the books all the better and more fun.  One specific memory that really impressed me was when your mom asked you if you wanted to go get the “Go Away, Big Green Monster!” book and, to my amazement, you walked out of the kitchen, down the hall and into a bedroom.  You then came back out with the book in hand and brought it to me to read to you.  I get such a thrill from watching you develop such an impressive and, to me, unexpected level of comprehension.   

I’m looking forward to watching you grow even more.  It will be so great to play with you as you are able to play more.  I look forward to reading many more books with you and I anticipate being surprised by your impressive comprehensive development.  You are an unending source of joy, fun and entertainment.  You are very loved. 

Uncie Jeremy 

Uncie Tommy:

Dear Carter,

It has been awesome watching you grow and seeing your personality develop over your first two years. I always enjoy spending time with you whether it is chasing the dogs, walking at Turkey Mountain or simply just dancing to your elephant song. Even when you are worn out and exhausted from being an adventurous wild man throughout the day you are always hilarious and a pure joy to be around.  I am thrilled that I am able to spend so much time with you and occasionally be your running partner. I am looking forward to the years to come with you and Elise and watching you continue to grow and become the amazing kid that you are. Happy second birthday!

"No matter what you step in, keep walking along and singing your song . . . . . . because it's all good." - Pete the Cat -

Love,

Uncle Tommy

Uncie Paul and Auntie Amanda:

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CARTER!!!  I hear it is the big 2 for you and that is a big deal. Auntie & Uncle Paul will be lucky enough to join you for your big party this year and we cannot wait! I bet you are excited too!  Thanks to your mother’s blog we have been able to watch you grow over the past year from Florida and it sure has been exciting.  We were so thankful we got time with you when grandma and grandpa brought you to Florida and we all got to stay at the beach house! That was so fun getting to experience your first time at the ocean with you! We loved having you in our home, too, even though you probably won't remember being there! :-)  We were so very impressed with your ability to learn about and observe the world around you.  I can only imagine how much knowledge you will soak up in this year to come! You are a bright child who has an abundance of joy and curiosity that never ceases to amaze us. So Happy Birthday and we CANNOT wait to touch down in your town!

Carter enjoying the ocean for the first time!