the sweetest rose

If I was looking at my kids personalities objectively, I would say that Isaac is so very much like me. Strong willed, intense, cautious, committed, easily disgruntled, playful, not so easy to please, incredibly loving... I see so much of myself in him, and of course so many things that all all his own. When it comes to Coco she is the person I always wished I could be: easy going, amazingly likable, trusting, willing to engage all, persistent but has the ability to move forward when its time, fun- very fun, constantly smiling, deeply loving, simply happy to be alive.
I have had the true honor of spending the last two years with this little person and I can easily say she has taught me more about myself than anyone I have ever met. Through every obstacle she has faced she has met it with strength, will, and determination. The quality I find most mind blowing is her ability to remain positive, happy, and engaged. She is clearly committed to learn and grow, while at the same time is able to have fun in the process. She looks at each day for what it is, a new opportunity, and her ability to be present in each moment has reminded me of what I need to work on. Coco and I have been pretty inseparable, a true team fighting for every step and every word. When we encountered hurdles she just kept going and often supported me and reminded me that she was not only ok, but so far better than that.
I know that we are told that we shouldn't be friends with our kids. We are their parents, not their buddies. I am pretty sure with Coco I have broken every rule in the book, and I really don't care. I can easily say that she is the kind of friend I never knew I could have. Together we have fought, and we have won. I am happy to say that today, at age 2, the gap between Coco's development, and those of a typically developing two year old is very narrow. Most who meet her would never know she had delay. She is starting to use two and three word phases when speaking. We reduced her speech therapy to once a week upon the recommendation of her speech therapist who thinks she can stop all together. We are working on walking up and down stairs, climbing, jumping, and other gross motor development, but I know it will all come, and I don't give a hoot if it doesn't. She is perfect just the way she is.
Dear Coco,
Thank you for reminding me that life is about the journey, not about the destination. Every day with you is a gift I often don't feel deserving of. You are pure light. Your smile is infectious, and your steady sense of self a constant source of happiness in my life. I can only imagine where we go from here.
Humbly...