To My Precious Sister on Her 2nd Birthday...

Two years ago, Elliott, Oliver, Sullivan, Harrison, and I eagerly awaited Daddy's phone call letting us know that you had arrived! As soon as Daddy called on the chilly evening of February 19, 2007, we quickly threw on our coats and loaded up into the van for the fifteen minute drive to the hospital to meet you.

We were so glad you were finally here and healthy.

I had wanted a sister for so long. Who would have ever thought that I would finally get the precious blessing of a baby sister when I was 19 years old? When you were a little more than two months old, we moved to VA to sell our properties there. God redirected our path in a way we weren't expecting, and soon after moving in, we bought two dairy cows to begin a new business venture. Your first summer was filled with hard work for the rest of the family as we put our effort into farming and marketing our new endeavor. You have brought so much joy to our hectic and busy lives over the past two years.You like to pitch in with the work where you can.You are growing so fast! You love to sing songs, and you are getting to the age where we can carry on semi-conversations consisting of a few (hardly understandable!) words.The highlight of your week is "chuch" (church). Their are several sweet older girls (10-12 year olds) that love playing with you. Recently, as soon as the last "amen" was said, you immediately exclaimed, "eat!" "play!" with great excitement, knowing that next we would eat and then you could play with your friends.

Whenever Daddy and Mama aren't home, you often ask, "Daddy pita?" or "Mama pita?", meaning "Are Daddy and Mama bringing home pizza?" They rarely do, but you are always hoping for it!Elliott and Oliver have a very special place in your heart. You adore them and always run to greet them when they come in from their farm chores.You love being at the river as much as I do. Even after the weather turned cold, you would find your swimsuit and try to put it on on top of your clothes to show us that you wanted to go swimming!
We love how chubby your little arms and legs are!
You are quite the farm girl. You love being outside with the animals. When Sullivan and Harrison get the eggs each day, you eagerly find your shoes and "coap" (coat) so you can help with the "ecks" (eggs). You are going to be such a smart farm girl when you get older. You're getting a huge head start compared to me!After your nap each afternoon, you often ask me, "cocos?", which means "Are we gonna bake cookies?". Many afternoons we do bake some sort of treat. You mostly enjoy helping because you get to lick the beaters.I think you are the prettiest baby I have ever seen!While you are most definitely a tough girl that mostly loves playing with Sullivan and Harrison, you have recently become interested in all of your dollbabies also. When I tried to take your picture as a big two year old yesterday morning, you insisted that your babies join us. Harrison helped with our little "photo shoot" and he was making all sorts of silly faces behind the camera for you to copy!You are so precious. Last night we all celebrated your birthday with you!As you grow, I pray that you will have a heart to honor and obey Daddy and Mama, and then ultimately, God. I love you so much, Sheridan Anna Claire!