4.26.2014

dear lincoln {you are two}.

[A few years back I decided to write a letter to each of my children on (near) their birthday. You can read past letters by clicking the label "A letter to my baby" at the bottom of the post. I haven't blogged in months, but you bet I will start again with a letter to my son. ]

My Dearest Lincoln Wayne,

There isn't a day that goes by that I don't say to myself 'I can't believe I have a boy' mainly because you give me a daily near-heart attack every day with your antics. Tonight was no different. We were at a friend's home, feeding their long-horn cows and I look over to ask your dad where you are, and he thinks you are sitting on the Gator, where you wanted to be most of the night. Except you weren't there. We look over to find that you have hopped the fence and you are darting toward the cows. Thankfully they didn't care about you, they were more interested in the snacks they were getting. But boy, you have no fear. And you know, I'm thankful for that. I'm thankful for your bravery. My prayer is that strength and courage will go with you all the days of your life, but not by your own--with the Lord's strength. I pray Joshua 1:9 over you- "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."

You know what I love about you? You make me notice things that I wouldn't have otherwise noticed or care. When we are in the car and you make an "oooooohhhhhhh!" sound, I know to look for a big truck, tractor, or machine. The excitement over anything big and that moves is pretty epic. Every single motorcycle we pass I hear "I wanna ride!" in the most pitiful voice as if your life will be over if I don't grant this request. We will cross that bridge when it comes, but I'll be honest, you driving a motorcycle is not my favorite idea. And I can just see you pulling out the Joshua 1:9 verse on me in the future when you want a bike. Oh man.

You will be two on Monday. Which means you have been rocked to sleep approximately 728 days in a row and still counting. Your dad and I pretty much fight over who gets to put you to sleep because you love to read books and you love to snuggle. You might be five and we are still rocking you to sleep because it's the perfect way to wind down the day.

I can't wait to celebrate your birthday tomorrow with friends and family and a train party. Your sisters are so excited. They love you so much. Naomi thinks she is about six years older than you, not 18 months, but I think soon she will realize that you aren't too far off from her. I'm excited to see your relationship with her grow. One of your favorite activities together is racing strollers around the house. She also likes to wipe your snot off with the words "hold still, buddy, I just got to get this." Audrey loves to write you letters and make pictures for you of things you like--like trains or dinosaurs. Tonight she was insisting on getting you a present for your birthday from her. She also said she didn't want to sleep because she was so excited to celebrate your birthday tomorrow. God put you right where you are suppose to be with two older sisters, and I'm so thankful for that.

I love watching your personality shape and I'm eager to see how God will use for His Glory. I know He has already used you to bring me and your daddy such deep joy.

Lincoln Wayne, you are loved. Very much so. Happy 2nd birthday!

XO
Your Mama

P.S. You don't have a big opinion on what you wear, but you do prefer your hat backwards and ties are welcomed. I mean, you are just a cool kid. Love you.