A note to Henley on her 2nd Birthday - written by Justin

Henley turning 2 has certainly snuck up on me. Brittani reminded me yesterday that we have added to the blog in a year which is strange since so much has been going on. We have moved into a new house…Hudsen, is in all kinds of activities that include Pre-School, gymnastics and dance class. and soccer begins next week, so I am definitely looking forward to that!!

Little Miss Henley continues to grow up right before our eyes doing things daily that surprise us all. Those who have had a chance to get to know Henley knows how sweet she is. She is the first one to share a toy and the first one to greet you with a smile…she is also the first one to take a chip from your plate when you’re not looking. A skill she has mastered.

If I were to speak to Henley directly at the age of 18 I would remind her that between the time she was born until now…age 2…that you are the most beautiful little girl any dad could ask for. You love to give a hug as much as you do to receive one. You have something that I cannot yet put my finger on that seems to draw people to you. Every time that I take you somewhere, someone is constantly telling me how cute you are, and it’s amazing how quickly someone looks at you and simply smiles.

I love the fact that you show so much emotion. When you are upset or mad, you show it. When you get hurt, you show it but quickly get over it. When you are happy, your smile is from ear to ear and when you want something…you want it right then!! I share some of the same traits which allows me to connect with you, which in turn gives me a sense of pride I cannot explain in words, but maybe in only the way I react to you when we are together.

You are a wonderful little sister! You follow Hudsen around quite a bit as you allow her to make all the decisions, but you always seem to go with the flow. It is such a tremendous joy for your mom and I to listen to you two laugh in the playroom and funny to watch you both wrestle before you guys jump in the bath, which I now know the rules. During bath time…the more bubbles, the better!!

Hudsen loves you so much although she has certainly used some crafty moves to try and stay one step ahead. She put all the toys on the taller ledge in the play room so that you can never reach any of the good ones. I would get mad, but it’s a pretty savvy move!!

Happy Birthday to you Henley! I love you more than you will ever know. One day when you read this as an older girl, know that I will love you more than I even do now, which is crazy to think. You make everyday a blessing from the time you wake up with a big smile on your face to the time you go down at night asking for one more hug and a kiss. I love you dearly!