Lauren: (Fists and Teeth clenched) “Ahh! I am really getting upset with Gavin.”
Gavin:(Still doing what is frustrating Lauren despite her repeated requests to stop, and getting equally frustrated with her being frustrated with him.)
Mom: (typical mom speech) “You know Lulu, he is smaller and still learning how to play with things.”
Lauren:(exasperated with me)”Mom, he’s not a baby anymore, he’s two.”
So is the downfall of the “baby” and the entrance of the toddler. Gav turned the magical disaster of two and is exploring his new found freedom with more aggressive “mine’s” and assertive “no’s”.
He has started walking and is just picking things up like he has been doing them all his life. He has some new Elmo shoes he loves so much, and when I take them off he tries to put them back on himself. We call him his “lifts” since he seems so much taller in them.
In his slide show this year there is a picture of us reenacting a silly pose by statues, however they are a very serious set of statues. We saw them on Stanford’s campus when we went for our medical opinion and they have stuck with me as pertinent to Gav’s life. They embody six burghers of Calais during the hundred year war. The short version is that the burghers bravely sacrificed their lives for the rest of the city (this is not the part that reminds me of Gavin). The artist, Roden, who depicted them in their statue form took the opportunity to celebrate the idea that heroic deeds may be performed by ordinary people.
Gav, I must tell you that at two feet tall and two years old you remind me that ordinary people can do extraordinary things. The way that you have risen to life’s challenges and remain so strong and ferociously filled with life and love, you are a hero. An ordinary two year old living an extraordinary life.
My sweet Gavy Ry,
You have your dad’s charisma to never have anybody upset with you for more than five minutes, even when you are throwing your remaining food all over the floor to signify that you are ready to get out of your highchair. You have this crazy ability to make everyone laugh with your light hearted sense of humor and gigantic giggle. You love so hard that you have to try to hold four stuffed animals every night at bed time even though you have only a wingspan big enough for two.
May you continue to grow taking down the Mt. Everest-like challenges that stand in your way with each toddler step that you take. May you always find the lighter side in life as you do right now and may you always know how loved, special and extraordinary you are. Happy Birthday to my newly rambunctious two year old!
Love,
Mommy
Save Baby Gavin 
Jill, what a beautiful letter! Happy birthday, Gavin! We hope your terrific two’s are filled with many happy memories and playful moments. We love you all!
Jill,Jay,LAUREN and GAVIN,
You have all been so blessed among the daily trials. May you continue to see those blessings as Gavin asserts his 2 year old self. From the example of his will so faaaar “STRONG WILLED” he wins the title and it is a good title to embrace.
Keep smiling and know Spring is on the way.
Miss you,
Julie
Happy 2nd Birthday Gavin! We’ve been thinking about you alot, you’re always in our prayers. I’ve always loved 2 year olds, things get a bit trickier when they’re 3 if you ask me. Sending you warm thoughts! Love, Amy, Steve, Kendal and Keegan
Happy Birthay to my main man Gav! We love you very much!
The Gile Family
Happy Birthday Gavin. You’ve overcome so many triials and are all the more stronger for it. You truly are an extrordinary child. The world is yours. Here’s to a bit calmer and even more joyful 2nd year!
Pat