Dear Julia,

Today you are exactly two months shy of your third birthday, yet it feels like only yesterday that you were 8 pounds, 15 ounces. I used to think I would be sad to see you grow up. I wanted you to stay little longer. Now I know that if that were the case, I would miss out on the joy of watching you become the person God wants you to be.

Thank you for understanding in your own way why Mommy has to 'go to the office?" so much lately. I hate that we don't have as much down time together as we used to - maybe that's why I let you crawl into our bed more than I should...

I am so proud of the little girl you are becoming - outgoing and kind to strangers, loving and generous to your brother (most of the time), and so affectionate with Mommy and Daddy. You always greet us like we haven't seen each other in weeks by wrapping both your arms as far around us as you can.

Your brother's smile says it all - to be loved by you is a gift that brings a smile to our faces every single day.

We love you JoJo!