Today our baby girl, Mariana Grace, turns two. Labor had started and stalled for several days, but she finally made her grand entry into the world on Mother’s Day 2006 at 2:15 PM. She weighed 8lbs 7oz and was 20.5″ long. She was such a peaceful and laid back infant. Macey loved to hold Mariana every chance she got and Mariana took it all in stride. She fit right into our family just like she had always been there. It was like God had made a placeholder in our hearts to save room just for her.
Two years ago Mickey and I learned just how much love grows. We knew, of course, that we would love Mariana, but we couldn’t fathom just how much love could and would grow for both girls and for each other. There is something beautiful and blessed about how parents can love each child equally, but at the same time differently for each different child.
Today Mariana is a full-fledged two year old. When you ask her how old she is, she proudly says TWO and, trust me, there are days when she is “sooooooo two” ;). She is such a sweet little bundle of energy. If this girl is awake, she is on the move. She loves to climb and explore. She loves to play and seek out treasures in whatever forms she can find them. She loves to talk and laugh and is learning to sing. She could live on chicken nuggets and ketchup. Or, maybe just ketchup. She adores Macey and is often hot on Macey’s heels where ever Macey goes. She loves hugs and will sometimes give us kisses although she tells us she saves them for friends at school. Mariana is a joy. She is just chock-full of sass, spunk and determination that brighten all our days. And, we’re so blessed that God entrusted her to our family on this day two years ago.