First, the standard apology in advance: That thing where your sister and her friends blow out your candles for you, that's going to happen again. But a side apology to them, too, because this time you'll probably shriek like a banshee and possibly hit them.
Reading this initially made me a little nostalgic for that baby you used to be. You were so freaking sweet and malleable, back in the day. You were, as I noted "happy just to BE". What happened with that, kid? Your twoness is so intense, so powerful. But let's not focus on that today. Today's your birthday.
The charm skillz you had at one, you've honed to perfection at two. You greet everyone with a "HI DERE" and a wave and a smile. People tell me all the time that I should get you an agent (I am too lazy). But it's true, you make Shirley Temple look like an amateur.
You finally did learn your animal noises, no thanks to Molly. But you refuse to learn your colors. Everything is either pink or yellow to you, and you will argue like a lawyer with anyone who tries to tell you otherwise: "Let's put on your red shoes" "YEDDO" "No, these are red" "YEDDO" "Red, honey" "YEDDO YEDDO YEDDO". We don't think you're color blind, we think you just really don't care. And then, just when we think you aren't ever going to learn anything from anyone, you pull something out of the air that knocks us right out ("TIANGLE!")
You have manners, after a fashion. You'll say thank you ("GECKO!") unprodded, but you sometimes need a push to say please (and then you'll often just give a desultory sign rather than say it out loud against your will). You like any opportunity to say "you're welcome" ("YO WECKIN!").
You're a terrific little sister, even as you've begun to assert your independence. You'll patiently play the role of the baby, or the sick person, or the superhero sidekick. You take turns. You help pick up afterward. You let Molly dress you up. You don't hit her back, yet.
In case you didn't catch this, you've got the funniest little voice. Deep and raspy like an old bluesman, with the odd syntax of all two year olds: "MO 'NACK PEESE NOW?" You grunt like Slingblade. Listening to you, whatever you're saying, is a crackup.
Speaking of 'NACK...er, snacks. Your appetite isn't as universal as it used to be, but you'll still try anything once. You eat broccoli like it's ice cream. You like blue cheese. You aren't crazy about bacon, for some reason. You're getting the hang of utensils (finally).
Every night you throw everything out of your crib (you still haven't figured out how to climb out of it, despite being a daredevil, so we're in no hurry to put you in a bed). Then, a couple minutes after you've tossed out the last blanket, you fall peacefully asleep. It's bewildering.
Today you were the center of attention--but you generously allowed your big sister and her friends (your other big sisters, as far as your concerned) to help you open presents and play with them. You were a great hostess. We're still going to keep you.
oh, sniff! happy birthday, maggie! we miss you and love you so much! oh, and you're soooo freaking cute!
Posted by: supersugarstar | June 04, 2006 at 02:05 AM
She is so beautiful!
Happy Birthday Maggie!
Posted by: bomas | June 04, 2006 at 05:15 AM
She's growing up so fast! What a beauty she is!
Posted by: Susan | June 04, 2006 at 07:17 AM
Too cute! Happy Birthday to her.
My daughter thinks every color is "pink".
Posted by: weigooksaram | June 04, 2006 at 08:23 AM
Happy Birthday Maggie!
Posted by: Kateri | June 04, 2006 at 10:08 AM
she's gorgeous! happy birthday!!!
Posted by: shel | June 04, 2006 at 10:28 AM
Oh my god, she is absolutely gorgeous. And your letter made me cry.
Happy birthday big girl!
Posted by: Stephanie (pookabear) | June 04, 2006 at 12:32 PM
O!M!G! She is beautiful!! Looks more like her auntiquette every time I see her picture.( since I haven't got to see her yet). Hope the girls like the package we sent. Give 'em hugs and kisses from me. Auntie N
Posted by: AuntieNancy | June 04, 2006 at 01:54 PM
What a wonderful day it was yesterday. Maggs was terrific. She was kind and generous to all. She was full of hugs for all her dads and moms there at her party. She was just one happy beautiful little girl. Today we went to the pool and she had a blast there too. She crashed and burned on the way home. I get to babysit while my kids go out to dinner and a movie. A DATE! I haven't been on one of those for years. I hope they have fun.
Posted by: Grammy | June 04, 2006 at 06:22 PM
holy cuteness!
Posted by: Mrs. Featherbottom | June 04, 2006 at 06:56 PM
Happy Birthday Maggie!!!! Ya know chica, hair hair is getting lighter!
Posted by: daionara | June 04, 2006 at 10:40 PM
Happy Birthday Maggie! Pure Gorgeousness. Love to your family.
Posted by: GIRLS GONE CHILD | June 06, 2006 at 01:52 AM
Oh, she really is a doll there, P. Glad little miss Maggie had a fun party.
Posted by: Beth/SW | June 06, 2006 at 07:25 PM
Happy Birthday Baby Maggie! I remember waiting for your mom to post that you were born, and now you are two years old....many many returns on the this happy day.
Posted by: Becky | June 07, 2006 at 08:12 PM