Dear Isaac

You are my sunshine.  

I simply can’t believe that you are already 2 1/2 years old.  Why can’t I pause time - just for a while?  I love you just the way you are right now.

You make me and Papa laugh on a daily basis.  You recently went through a short phase of describing everything from a toy to your meal as “pretty awesome” and you frequently remind us that you are “the boss”.  You refer to Palmer as your “best friend” and ask about him daily.  I think you might not realize that Adrian is actually your best friend.  When I ask you about this, you correct me to tell me that he is your brother.  You spend a lot of time wondering if Palmer is sick.  Where does that come from?

You exhibit empathy beyond your years.  Frequently, you ask people if they are ok just for the sake of showing that you care about them.  What toddler does that?  You worry about Adrian when he is sick or hurt.  That warms my heart.  Sometimes, out of the blue, you will look at me, Adrian, or Papa and say, “Give me a kiss.  Give me a hug.  Give me a fist bump.”  You know how to make us feel your love.

You like to categorize “guys” and “men”.  Where do you come up with this stuff?  You will talk about the UPS guy and inform me that he is a "bad man".  You told Papa that his friend Mitch is a "bad guy”.  When Papa questioned you about it, you said, “He is definitely not a good guy”.  But, you are sure of one thing - “Papa is a nice man”.  You worship him - as he does you.  

In your eyes, Hot Wheel cars are the best invention of this century.  You wake up with one in your hand every morning and go to bed with one each night.  In fact, bribing you with Hot Wheels is how we have been able to successfully potty train you.  

You really love all of your grandparents - as you should.  They spoil you rotten.  You may not get to see them every week, but you talk about each of them often.  

For some reason, milk is still your favorite food.  I think you would drink a gallon a day if we would let you.

Being your mother (and Adrian’s, too) is the greatest joy of my life.  Nothing compares.  I want to give you a life full of love, adventure and knowledge.  I also want you to understand that it is important to treat all people, especially those different from you, with respect and kindness.  The most important thing in your life will always be your relationship with other people.  Everything else is secondary.  Exhibit gratitude.  That will take you far in every aspect of your life.

I hope you never stop showing such sincere concern for the people you love.  It is what I love most about you.  I will do anything to make you feel my love.  My love for you will always be the most consistent part of your life. It will never waiver.  

You are my sunshine.