Finn,
Today you are two years old. It seems so young and so old at the same time. You’ve changed so much in these two short years. I remember when you were in that snuggly stage and all you wanted to do was fall asleep on my chest. It was one of the only things that could get me to slow down…I just kept thinking, I hope he doesn’t wake up for a long time so we can just lay on the couch like this for a while. But you woke up more and more quickly until you never needed to fall asleep on me again. Unless you’re sick. Truth be told, I kind of enjoy it when you’re sick because you just want to snuggle. What can I say? I’ll take what I can get.
You used to smile at every stranger and make new best friends instantly. It’s a little different now…you hold your cards close to the vest and it would seem that people have to earn your approval. This amuses me. A 2 year old whose heart is guarded, but we know the truth. You’re still just as crazy and funny as when you were younger. My favorite thing is when you come to find me just to make sure you know where I am. It gets even better when I chase you through the house shooting a squirt gun at you or hunting for a tickle.
Being a little brother isn’t always easy. Ava’s got all the toys you’d rather play with and whatever she’s doing seems cooler than whatever you were up to. You do an awfully good job at it though. I see those times when you share and help out. You may not know that I’m looking but I am watching you grow up…and I’m so proud and excited by what I see. A little boy who loves his big sister. You may bother her, but that’s your job – to keep her on her toes. I love that you still need your mama and you want to show me how strong you are. I believe that you are an adventurer. It’s hard to imagine all the places you’ll explore.
There’s another baby in your mommy’s belly right now – a girl that will be here soon. You’ll be jealous for a while, but I know that you’ll be the protector of your sisters. You’ll help to keep them safe when me or mom aren’t around. I trust that you’ll grow to be as tall and strong in character as you are in stature. And you’ll have excellent dance moves. I believe you’ll gain favor among God and men – what a privilege it is to have you as a son. I couldn’t imagine my life without you. Happy birthday Finley. Daddy loves you no matter what.
this is a beautiful post and something Finn will treasure when he’s older. DON’T STOP WRITING THESE! i have an almost 17 yr old, and we wanted to do something like this each year, but didn’t. now i so wish we had!
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Beautifully written and so sweet. I also wish I had done something like this with my kids. I can’t believe how fast time slips away. It’s been awhile since I’ve visited and missed the new arrival announcement. Congratulations!! Now to go do some catching up!
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So touching and sweet. It gave me chills reading it. It’s wonderful that he will be able to read this when he is older and know exactly how much he is loved. I’m so bad at writing emotional posts, you do it so well. It’s hard to believe how many years have past since I found your site and have read your posts. I know it was years before Finn, and it is so hard to believe that he is already 2!
Happy Birthday Finn!
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love
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Beautiful post. Happy Birthday Finn!
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Happy Birthday Finn! Ryan, that was beautiful! My little one, Liam, is 3 1/2…time flies. I should write something for him as well.
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So sweet! I love that you are the kind of dad who can say what you feel about your kids. This is something I’m sure Finn will treasure about you!
Happy Birthday, Finn!
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Ok that made me tear up a little
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What a beautiful post! It’s been a joy to watch your little ones grow up and to see your maturation as a father.
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I know you shouldn’t say this about little boys, but he is beautiful!!
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I agree with Jenn – Please do not stop writing these posts.. It’s from the heart, it is what you feel, and it is wonderful.. God Bless
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I missed the baby announcement earlier, so here’s a belated Congrats! Can’t wait to see her. I can’t believe Ava is so big already. I’m happily following your blog now, so that I don’t miss anything else.
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Your son shares a birthday with my stepson. We, however, are at a different point in the journey. And you have no idea what fast is yet. Just wait until he is 21! It will seem like a week has passed, and there he will be, all grow’d up! I have blogged my birthday message to our son at themommylama.wordpress.com. Happy birthday to your beautiful son!
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That precious face. Those loving words. Thank You! for blessing my day!
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Happy Birthday to Finn!
That last picture is striking: how did you ever get him to sit still long anough to capture it?
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Happy Birthday to you too Mr. Finn!
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Too cool! We have the same birthday! So does Michael Jordan (and apparently Harry Potter?) Happy birthday finn!
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I also have a daughter and a son that are the same ages as Ava and Finley (Anya will be 5 and Eli will be 2) and they were born 2 days apart Aug. 28 & Aug. 30. Your birthday messages to your kids made me cry, I don’t know you but I do feel your spirit when I read your words. I think that your children are incredibly blessed to have you as their father. If only all children (especially mine) were so lucky to have such a father.
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Those are such amazing photos. I wish I could see this culture first hand too. I love how different people are so different in the way they celebrate things; and even the things they celebrate are different. It is really amazing.
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