Hallie Claire is 2 years old!

You were born on April 10, 2009. After my labor and birth experience with your older brother, I knew a scheduled c-section was the best way for you to enter this world. I was right – your entrance was peaceful, the moment your daddy and I first met you was perfect, and you were glorious.

You were a beautiful baby who looked nothing like what we expected. We thought you’d be teeny, seeing as you were coming out a week before your due date, but you weighed an above-average 7 lbs. 14 oz. We thought you’d have white-blond, curly hair, like your brother, but instead you had stick-straight dark brown hair.

You were mad. Oh so mad. You didn’t stop screaming, despite the fact that there was absolutely nothing wrong with you, for more than two hours after you came out into the world. One of your nurses laughed and told us she’d never seen a baby madder to have been born.

Now, two years later, you're no longer mad about being a part of this world. You're a little peeved about some things, like when your brother gets to brush his teeth on the bathroom stool before you do or when I make you wear a bib, but for the most part you are joyful and excited about life.

Two years later you are anything but above-average in size. Strangers consistently guess your age as six months younger than you actually are, until they hear you talk, that is. Your dark hair fell out, and in its place arrived pale blond, wavy wisps.

Two years later you are every bit as glorious as you were the day you were born.

Happy 2nd birthday, Hallie Claire.

One Week

One Year

Two Years

(Daddy and I agree that you now look like nothing like what you looked like as a newborn and one-year-old. How is it possible that you've changed so much in such a short period of time?!)

Quintessential Hallie, Years 1 & 2