a set of shafers: sweet shep is 2

On Wednesday my little Shepherd turned two, and yesterday we had a yard full of friends and "construction" to celebrate my middle man. And y'all, this precocious little guy steals my heart every day.

I usually say I can't believe that one of my littles is turning another year older, but this is different. Shep turning two doesn't feel crazy because he's been acting two, or older, for months. He runs and jumps and climbs. He takes on and conquers unbelievable physical feats. He works so hard to keep up with Barnes & Frances, his favorite people in the world, and he usually succeeds...even if he does sweat like crazy and exhaust himself.

He is a complete chatterbox. This child never stops talking. He loves to repeat whatever Barnes & Frances say. He LOVES saying anything he thinks is funny. He loves to sing, with "Happy Birthday" being a current favorite. He loves to randomly call out superhero names, which he did for about 5 minutes in church this morning. And his very favorite thing to say is "No, mommy." I hear "No, mommy, no hug," or "No mommy, daddy get me down" about 700 times each day. My little Shep...

More than my bigger two, Shep understands the value of a good cuddle. After nap, he often wants to curl up in my lap, one of my favorite moments each day.

He is always thinking. He puts his hand in front of his chin, holds up one finger....you just know there is something he wants to say. Sometimes it comes out, sometimes it doesn't, but that sweet little brain is constantly in overdrive.

He loves TV. Like loves it. He is the reason that screen time restrictions were invented. I don't know if he would ever get tired of watching his cartoon friends. Current favorites are Handy Manny, Doc McStuffins, Paw Patrol, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse...though really he will happily watch anything. And each time a favorite comes on, he gets so excited, like he's never seen it before. "Mommy, mommy, Sophia! Sophia!" Yep, still Princess Sophia, just like it was before the commercial break.

He is asserting his independence more and more. He doesn't want help on stairs. He doesn't want to wear a sleep sack anymore. He wants to climb into the van on his own. Basically, he wants to do anything that makes him feel like a big kid.

But despite his desire to grow up, he still has the sweetest, most joyful spirit. When he smiles he lights up the whole room. Everyone who meets him falls in love with him. And we love him more than we could ever explain.

Happy 2nd Birthday, Shepherd. I pray we spend 100 more birthdays together. I am so thankful that I get to be your mom. You fill a special place in our family.