Charleigh Turns 2

Charleigh woke up, this morning of her second birthday, crying: "I'm sick. My throat hurts," and she was running a little fever. I messaged the other mommies and told them best not to come over, but it's all good; we've been celebrating her birthday for over a week.

A week ago Tuesday, she celebrated with her besties at the Children's Museum of Richmond and Johnny Rockets.

Sunday, in Knoxville, Tennessee, she blew out candles at Mamaw's (Jim's mom's) with her uncle Terry (Jim's brother), who shares her birthday.

Later that same day, she had a second birthday cake in Scott County, Tennessee, at Nana's and Papaw's (my parents').

Incredible Cake by Our Friend Lisa Russ

In Her Birthday Outfit from My Parents

On Monday, she took a trip to Santa's Land in Cherokee, North Carolina. (More on this, later.)

With Mamaw

And her daddy says there will be ice cream, tonight, also the Snow White baby doll she asks for every time we go to Target.

Charleigh, we're so thankful that God sent you to our family. We had no idea just how much we needed a red-headed ninja. You squeeze us hard and bite your sister hard, but we don't have to talk about that second thing. You shower us with kisses and sing at the top of your lungs, and let's just say your future in church choir is iffy at best, but we don't have to talk about that, either. You're defiant and mischievous and fiesty, but I get you, Girl, and I love how you're afraid of neither the highest slide nor a good spankin' for climbing out of bed six times in one night. You're a water bug and a cuddle bug, and I can't wait to see just what the Lord has in store for you.