Hi Maya,

Yesterday it was your second birthday! It was a lot of fun for us, but I hope it was even more fun for you! I was still working on the gifts the night before, but I had a nice surprised visit from you and Mommy.

You loved playing in your kitchen set at Babcia and Dziadzio’s house, like you always do. You baked some cinnamon rolls, different kind of coffees and teas, and baked some food in the oven, too. You are so focused when you are playing, I love to see it. I know you put your heart into everything that you do. I love that about you.

You played with your dart board, which was so much fun that you didn’t want to eat any food! We tried to give you some turkey with pasta and sauce… some kefir, and even some sweet things… but you were so busy and having fun. I am so proud of you for being able to throw you like already do! I wonder if you’ll like playing sports when you’re older. I’ll play with you, if you’d like. I was never really good at sports but maybe you can teach me.

The morning after, I finished up my gift for you. There was also some chocolates for you and Mommy for International Women’s Day! Which is an important day… but its even more important to me that its Maya’s Birthday!

My gift to you was an orchid flower, some books, some art supplies, and my own “build-a-bear” which was a fox (he looked the most cuddly. Babcia helped me because the shirt that I bought for the fox was too big (I hope the one that I got for you fits good! I’d love to see you in a nice warm flannel… I love flannel shirts!)

But most important thing about the fox is that I put a little special device inside him. If you give him a hug, he will sing you a song. The song is called “I can tell that we are going to be friends” by a band called The White Stripes. I’ve always loved it, because it is so sweet and nice. But I heard it a few months ago and I wanted to make this one special for me. The guitar that is playing and the voice that you’re hearing is mine. I hope that you like to cuddle with it and if you ever miss me, hug it and listen to my voice. I always look at pictures of you when I’m sad or I miss you. Maybe it will help you, too?

This is the song that the Fox sings:

I will always pick up when you call. And I will always do my best to be by your side. I wish I could be there always.

We all went to a real Build a Bear and got you a Happy Birthday bear! Maybe we can do it every year? You said this bear was a girl, but I think you should give it a name! You’ve always been very good at naming people, toys, or stuffed animals. Even cats we saw! We recorded a message to you, if you press his hand, she will say it. If you give it a hug, her heart will beat for you, too.

After that, we all went to a restaurant. It was a lot of fun. You were very hungry! But you were still patient and were having fun. Everybody that sat near us really loved you because you are funny, smart, and very friendly. A lot of people wished you a Happy Birthday.

And guess what your favorite food was… it was the butter!! You ate a lot of it. Which is ok now. It will help your brain develop and grow. We were just happy to see you eat. You also ate some Mexican Street style corn, some french fries, some chicken, and another favorite… mashed potatoes!

It was way past your bed time so you fell asleep very quickly at home. I love seeing you sleep or listening to your little angel snores. You even slept through the night pretty good! I just had to find a bottle for you once.

I want to end by saying HAPPY BIRTHDAY to you! I hope they only get better and better. I wrote many things on your cards, so I might be repeating myself but... keep shining brightly. You are the reason for my life and I do my best to keep you happy. I'd give up anything for you, with a smile. I love when you love me and I love when you let me love you. My sweet, beautiful person.

I hope to be there for many, many, many more… I hope that you always know that I will love you and like you and want to play with you and talk to you and hang out with you, always. You are my everything.

daddy