to my little e-bear...

I'm forgoing ten smile Tuesday today...I figure my pictures over the past few days cover what we've been smiling about. Instead I want to devote an entire post to Elizabeth. Why? Simply this...there are SO many moments--expressions, phrases, obsessions--that I would like to capture...to lock in my mind. Most of them are the kind of things you can't really take a picture of...perhaps a video camera would do them some justice...but alas, we haven't caved in and shelled out the dough for one of those yet. Can you believe that today marks 2 1/2 years of life for our "baby"? How can it be that time has passed that quickly....it seems just yesterday I was in the delivery room, hearing the wonderful news that we had a girl.

Elizabeth...I definitely understand why moms of toddlers make such a big deal out of the "half" part of two and a half years old. In just half of a year you have become so capable and independent, so talkative and opinionated, so stinkin' smart (well...I suppose you didn't "become" those things...they just became so much more apparent). You are still your daddy's little girl...I know you love me too...but daddy has definitely captured your heart. Perhaps it is that special way he has of giving you horsey rides or entering right into your world while you play together...the way he reads you stories or his "tickle monster" impression. As much as you love your daddy, I must tell you Elizabeth...you have captured his heart (and mine too!).

I'm not sure where to even begin when it comes to your favorite things these days....but perhaps with the obvious....DINOSAURS! This "obsession" started during our visit to the children's museum with Poppy and Grandmommy. Oh how we love to see you run around the house giving your best impersonation of a dinosaur, arms up in the air like claws, stomping your feet and roaring with all your might. Since Easter you have spent EVERY night and nap-time sleeping with your Poppysaurus-Rex...the dinosaur grandmommy and poppy gave you. Elizabeth, you even slept with him the first night...when you were still TERRIFIED of him. Oh how I wish I could have captured the look on your face when you spotted him in the gift bag. Grandmommy, Poppy, and I were gathered around, anticipating your excitement, and instead you screamed in terror and jumped back. But that fear didn't keep you from your dinosaur for long...by bed-time you were asking to sleep with him (even though you were still too scared to touch him!). Mommy was so afraid you would wake up in the middle of the night scared...but you didn't; in the morning you woke up, picked him up, and the rest is history! Daddy and I have searched for dinosaur books and pictures...even the back porch is covered in sidewalk chalk portraits of dinosaurs you helped mommy draw....Grammasaurus, Poppysaurus, Katersaurus, Libasaurus...

Then there is your continued fascination with trains...just yesterday you got to see one up close and personal while we were taking a walk. And I always know when the train is coming because you take off running to the front window for a glimpse. I am actually hoping this fascination continues until your birthday...I have so many ideas for a "choo-choo" cake...perhaps even with a dinosaur train conductor!

Elizabeth, you have such an interest in how things work...maybe there is an engineer in there. I am absolutely amazed by the power of your mind...the ability to remember, to put together, to tell us what you are thinking. So often when I look at you I can see the wheels turning in your brain. You waited a bit to string words together, but when you did you were talking in paragraphs...seriously. These days you have SO much to say...and I love the way you have your own little "trademark" phrases. Restaurants are "dinner-houses"...upside down is "upside over"...and apparently you are taking note of mommy's love for coupons...many places are "coupon (pronounced poo-ton--like futon with a p) houses". I am amazed by your ability to rephrase things when mommy and daddy can't understand what you are trying to tell us and by the way you hear and remember EVERYTHING. Another way you like to let your voice be heard is singing...and what a sweet voice you have. The nursery workers at church have actually commented multiple times on the way you sing and know all the words. I'm amazed that you even know the words to "mommy songs" in the car...how precious to hear your precious voice praising Jesus.

Elizabeth, you are so smart. You know all the words and can "read" so many of your books to mommy. Your favorites lately are "Go Dog Go", "David and Goliath" from your little Bible, and anything Curious George. You also love to do puzzles...and not just the "block" puzzles. It took you about a week, but you have figured out your "big girl" curious george puzzles and can do them without mommy and daddy's help. This morning I was so proud to watch you sort through and pick out just the right pieces to connect together and to see the look of accomplishment on your little face when you snapped in that final piece. You still love all of your puzzles, but you lose attention span so much more quickly since they aren't as challenging.

Sweet girl, there is so much more to say...you love helping mommy cook and fold laundry, and you are ever so helpful. You love to run and jump and dance....to give sister Kate hugs and kisses (you often call her "Ta-to"...which is so sweet!)...to tuck your animals and dollies into bed (though this is about the extent of your doll playing right now). Most amazing and fun to watch perhaps is the emergence of your imaginative play. Just the other day you wrapped a "present" for Aunt Jill and then took it to the door, knocked, and "delivered" it. Then you "met" Aunt Lora and Uncle Keith when you were coming home from your present delivery. I am so excited to see your imagination sprout and grow...to see all that you can think and dream and create.

Elizabeth...I think I could go on forever...typing about the little moments. Your first encounter with a real live ladybug on your hand...and the ensuing screams of terror (okay, so you aren't a "bug-lover"...and secretly, that is totally fine with mommy...bugs scare me!). Your love for your friends and family...your desire to talk about them and pray for them. Your hair...oh, yes, how I am so excited to see it growing...and the more it grows, the more it curls...and I LOVE the sweet spiraling curls....and the fact that it is finally long enough for pig-tails. Your adoration of Poppy. Your concern and empathy for mommy when I am sad. Your love for Mugho. Your joy and zest and spunk.

Elizabeth...I LOVE YOU! We love you! It is with great excitement I look forward to seeing you move mountains as you grow up...to watching you live and love and learn. A very merry "half" birthday to you!