Happy Birthday, Talmage

Before you were born, I remember your dad and I holding a pair of newborn socks and thinking that you would soon arrive and fill them. We tried to comprehend what it would be like to finally meet you and get to know you. There was a happy rush of anticipation for the day you would arrive. Come you did, and getting to know and love you for two years now is a great privilege. I admire your thirst for learning, your gleeful laughter, your careful study of detail in books and the world around you. You love playing with your cars, swimming, singing, dancing, reading books, going to the playground, chasing your friends. You are a very attentive and caring older brother, and have been from the beginning. Often you will pick up a car and place it in Sydney’s infant hands, saying, “Hold!” Surely, as you go through life you will be able to hold your relationship with her very close. You are an important part of our family. We love you very, very much. Happy Birthday, T.