I'm two!

"Today is a special day, a special day, it's true. We celebrate the happy day that you became you!"

So begins the Signing Time series happy birthday song, which I've had running incessantly through my head all day. But a happy kind of incessant. Today is Isaac's birthday. He's officially two! We could not have imagined a more adorable, sweet-natured little boy than our Isaac is. Even his stubborn streak is cute. We can't help but laugh at his little scowl and puckered-mouth, "No," even though he doesn't really appreciate the hilarity. There are a million and one things we love about Isaac, but I thought I'd take a moment to name a few noteworthy characteristics that might not last until his next birthday.

We love how Isaac (finally!) started saying Spencer's name, instead of calling him "Mommy." His first attempt (as of like a month ago): "Bunchurch."

We love how devoted Isaac is to rockets and counting down to blast-off: "Ten. Nine. Eight. Seden. Eight. Nine. TEN! Wift-off. Mission. PSHHHHH!!!"

We love how quick he often is to say he's sorry. And we love (though we shouldn't) the times he scowls and refuses because he sees his actions as totally justified, or because he's secretly sorry but throwing up a wall of stubborn protection around his tender little heart. He really is tender hearted.

We love his concern for others. Often when we cough or sneeze or get frustrated or seem out of sorts, he'll say in his sweet little voice, "Kay, Mommy? Kay, Daddy?"

We love how he says "helicopter": Heckababa. :) And how he calls anything that has to do with sports (tennis rackets, basketballs, helmets, etc.) "football game."

We love his love for tools. For Christmas, Isaac got a real drill and screwdriver. He was over the moon.

We love his "tricks." He takes great delight in standing on a springy surface and exclaiming, "See trick, Mommy/Daddy?" until we give him our full attention to watch him jump and land bouncily on his bum.

We love his love for his big brother. We recently tried putting them to bed at the same time in the same room for a couple weeks. It was a total failure, but towards the end, this was because they were having too much fun together. Isaac discovered the joy of making Spencer laugh. Listening to their late-night giggling was as endearing as it was frustrating. At least they're turning into buddies!

We love how he pretends to play "I Am a Child of God" on the trombone, moving his little fist in and out as he "doo doo-doo-doooo doo doooo"s the tune.

We love his dimples. He has the most kissable little cheeks. And his smile brightens the grimmest day. We sure love that little guy.

Happy birthday, Isaac! You're two!