...and then he turned 2.

 Sam,
      I can't believe we just celebrated your 2nd birthday. This year we have had so much fun together. I can't believe how much joy you have brought into my life. You are one very special little boy. I feel like this year I have really gotten to know your personality. We finally got tubes in your ears, so you have been much healthier this year and overall, much happier. You are so different than Mattox. I never would have thought that I would have two boys with such different personalities. I am blessed because you both bring so much to the table. In some ways, you are more easy going than Mattox. I can take you anywhere and you seem to be happy. However, you know exactly what you want, and if you don't get it....watch out. You are constantly on the move. You will sit and watch a tv show and read a book with me, but you are always going from one activity to the next. You are into everything! You are very good at watching what is going on and then trying to do it for yourself. You are a determined little boy. I love that about you. I also love how you make me laugh. You make me laugh SO hard. You are always being silly and you constantly remind me to lighten up and have a good time. Your smile is so amazing. It lights up a room. You also make this smile when you get a little shy that is SO ADORABLE. Everyone loves it. Sometimes when we are in the car I say, "Sam, look at me." You will look in my rear view mirror and I say, "I love you." You immediately do your shy smile and look up and out the window. I love when you do that. I wouldn't say you are shy, but you are very selective when it comes to whom you will pay attention. For example, when we are at the grocery store, women always come try to talk to you, but you usually give them a nasty look. However, there is a preschool teacher that we pass every morning on the way to Mattox's class. We don't know her, but you stop every day to say hi. You picked her out of a crowded hallway and have said hi to her every day since. Also, while at Dollywood, you grabbed an old man's hand and pulled him around for a while. Again, we had no clue who he was, but you really liked him for some reason.
        You are just starting to talk. You have been right on target, and even ahead for most of your development, with the exception of talking. I was starting to get worried you weren't going to talk, because all you did was point and grunt. Over the past few weeks you have really come along. You are putting several words together. It is so cute to hear you talk because your voice is so high and you are so big. Your laugh is also really high and is one of the funniest laughs I have ever heard.
      Sam, you are smart, funny, handsome, and very very cool. I can't express into words the love I have for you. You own my heart. I am so thankful for the past 2 years. Thanks for all the laughter you have given me, and all the lessons you have taught me. I love you more than you will EVER KNOW. Happy Birthday!
 Love, Mom

Sam dressed for Halloween

Mr. Blue Eyes

Snack Time

All business.

Growing up quickly.