Two!

My sweet baby, you are TWO!  I suppose you are no longer a baby, but you will always be my baby.  Next thing I know, in a blink of an eye, you'll be heading off to kindergarten!  I can't believe how fast these two years went by... it is true what is often said of parenthood...

Via

Some days I want to bottle up each and every moment and smother you with kisses and hugs.  Some days I want to pull my hair out in frustration at this stage of growing independence.  Most days, there are many moments I want to always remember and many tantrums I'd like to forget, but I always want to smother you with kisses and hugs while I can.

You have been showing signs of being a strong willed little dude for a few months now.  I don't know if it has coincided with all of our transitions, or if this is simply the "terrible twos" everyone likes to reference.  These days, I am constantly (and usually patiently and calmly) asking you to, "Use your words ... tell mama what you want ... I'm sorry you are feeling (_____) ... "

While you have a growing vocabulary and surpassed the pediatrician's minimum of fifty words for an age appropriate two year old, you can't quite express everything you are feeling in words or you just don't have the tools to effectively do so just yet.  Words/phrases that we hear frequently are: no, nope, uh uh (no), uh huh (yes), eee! (eat!), wa wa (waffle), hiiiii, bye byeeee, mama, dada, poppa, gigi, more, help, truck, pee pee, play, elmo, buuuh (Buzz), ha dah (hot dog = Mickey), doggie, pool, jew (juice, which you hardly ever get), cup, bowl, fork, spoon, all duh (all done), up, shoe, etc.  This list goes on and on.

You clocked in at:

• weight - 29 pounds 2 ounces = 60%
• height - 36 1/2 inches = 95%
• head circumference - 51 cm = 95%

The doctor was pleasantly surprised that your weight was steady.  He remarked that most kids your age experience a dip in weight because they become picky eaters.  Not our G!  Most days it seems like all you want to do is, "Eeee!  Eeee!  Eeee!"  Your favorite foods are apples, watermelon, cantaloupe, chicken, corn, cooked carrots, waffles (wa wa), yogurt, and then all of the junk/sweets that you are sometimes allowed... popsicles, ice cream, cookies, chips, french fries, etc.

While you are fiercely independent sometimes, other times you show separation anxiety that can be heart wrenching as a mama.  You have recently started crying when I drop you off at school, but fortunately, it only lasts for a couple of minutes max.  The closer we get to arriving at school, the more you say, "Mama."  I know you are trying to tell me that you want to stay with me, but I also know that it's good for you (and for me) to have this time apart.  One of these days, you will run into school and not even look back.

Things you love right now: trucks, cars, Mickey, Elmo, Buzz, dogs, bubbles, eating, going to the park, playing in the water, sitting on your little potty (completely naked -- haven't figured out "how" to go yet), reading books, your play kitchen, Sheepie and your paci.

Things you don't love: being told "no" :)

I still vividly remember that defining moment two years ago when you made me a mom.  Parenthood has certainly been a crazy adventure so far, but for every down, there have been at least ten ups.  I love you to the moon and back, my sweet little boy.

Love,

Mama