Dear Sweet Priscilla,

At about the time I knew your name, I knew in my heart what the Lord spoke over you. “This baby brings change.” This one brings change. And you did. And you will. You, my sweet girl, bring change.

I’ve been told that an easy baby, often turns into a challenging toddler. You were an exceptionally easy baby. You are a delightfully tricky toddler. There is no battle you are unwilling to fight. No “no” you will not rage against. And boy are you good at that. Time out doesn’t work unless I carry you all the way to your room, and you can hold a grudge better than any two-year-old I’ve run into. Last time I picked you up from the baby sitter, you were refusing to make eye contact with her. She dared to make you put away the toys.

I’m not going to lie. The little change maker you are isn’t the easiest personality to parent. I know to choose my battles wisely. There aren’t any you won’t fight, and a lot of things you see as completely unfair. I love this about you, even as I am fighting this in you, I love this about you.

I don’t want to kill the urge in you to rage against the things that aren’t fair. I want to refine your sense of justice, so you don’t waste any of that tiny fight on the things that don’t matter. So you can be a force that changes the whole world. I am not going to be perfect at this. You are going to have to be a little patient with me.

It is no surprise that you came so close after your sister. You are her smaller, hilarious shadow. It is only in the past week that you have decided your name is Priscilla. Earlier in the year you were telling everyone that you were Juliet. Now you announce your name un-prompted every fifteen minutes or so. “I Rilla, I PRISCILLA!” I am so glad you know who you are.

You have your dad and I in giggle fits pretty regularly. There is no situation you can’t find the humor in. No time your dimples aren’t likely to peak out as you give notice you are about to have a good time. You are the life of the party my girl, even when it is just a party of one.

Your arrival was a bit of a surprise, and you continue to surprise me. I wouldn’t want it any other way.

I love you.

Mom