By Stephanie Kramm 
I said goodbye to two today. The very last toddler in our home.
You still have those squishy cheeks, those inquisitive eyes, those bubbling toddler giggles and adorable toddler voice, but you seem a bit older today now that you’re three. I’m excited for you to grow and mature, but since you’re my last baby, two was a little bit harder to let go of this time.
Two is too big to cradle all the time, but too small to leave my side for long. Too big to help with every little thing, but too small to realize some things are just too big for you yet. Two is full of wild emotions that only Daniel Tiger can tame. It’s full of storybooks and snuggles and begging for more tickles. It’s full of curiosity, wonder, and exuberance over every little thing. It’s endless playfulness and pure, priceless preciousness. Two is so hard to say goodbye to.
There are too many moments I want to freeze forever in my heart. Too many adorable phrases and funny things you do that I never want to forget. Too many moments that make a mama’s heart dance and melt and ache. But the toddler years are slipping away, and I can’t waste time trying to stop it as I chase you around the playground and walk with you through your childhood.
I’ll always miss you as two. Part of my heart will always cradle the baby parts of you. But I will also grow with you and carry you when needed through the different seasons ahead. And three is still small enough to feel safe just holding my hand a bit longer.
Yes, two, I’ll always miss you. But I would never dream of missing out on all the adventures of three and beyond that lie ahead. You have a lifetime ahead of you that is too important to try to hold back or slow down.
So, farewell to two. You have gifted me with memories and milestones I’ll treasure forever, and I will forever be thankful for that. Happy Birthday, my little bear. Three is such a wonderful age to be!
by Brianna Forsman 
by Kaleigh Christensen 
by Stephanie Brophy 
