2 Years Old

This is a letter I wrote to Will on his second birthday (August 8, 2012). I was on blogging hiatus at the time, but still journaling privately. I wanted to share it before I post his 2 1/2 year old (!!!) update.

Birthday boy at "2"

Dear Will,

Today is your second birthday. I just can't believe it. You are such a big boy now. Funny and clever and full of opinions.

For your birthday, we went out for your favorite dinner (mac and cheese from Noodles), ate chocolate buttercream cupcakes at home, and opened a small gift. It was just the three of us, and it was perfect. We'll have time for the big party with all your friends and family this Saturday, but tonight, it was just our little family. Sometimes I love when it's just us. These are the moments and memories I treasure most.

For your birthday gift, Daddy and I got you two block sets. When you noticed that one set had the alphabet on it, you immediately said: "Let's find the W!" And you did, just a few moments later. You are so bright and so curious. I love that about you.

At two, you know all your colors and can identify a few letters (W, O, Z). You can count to twenty and identify numbers 1 and 2. You love to read, and can recite several favorite books by memory.

You know all of your body parts, pointing out your eyes, ears, nose, teeth, knees, toes, etc. But you're also understanding adjectives and comparisons, so you've started comparing your body parts to others. This can get real funny, real quick. Just the other day we were laying in bed in our jammies and you said: "William has a little teeny tiny belly button. Daddy has a big fuzzy belly button!"

You love kisses, and you love when I tell you that you're "so smoochable". I like to scoop you up in my arms and shower you with kisses and snuggles. You laugh, grin from ear to ear, and announce, "I'm so 'mooch-able!"

You repeat EVERYTHING you hear, so we really have to mindful of what we say and how we say it. You use phrases you've heard in the appropriate context, even mimicking the inflection or tone. One of the funnier one's you use right now is, "What the heck is that?!?" It's hysterical to hear you ask questions and make conversations like an adult. More than anything, it's a good reminder that you're always listening and always observing. We are parenting 24/7, whether we realize it or not.

You decided several weeks ago that you couldn't possibly be bothered to sit in your booster seat any longer. You just hate being buckled and confined. So you started sitting in my chair instead. Your arms can barely reach the table without your booster. Even though you use that chair for every meal and your booster seat has long been packed away, you still refer to it as "Mama's chair".

You like wearing Mama and Daddy's shoes, slipping them on and (trying) to walk around the the house. This is about as interested in dress up as you get, but you like to tell me that you're "Going to work like Daddy".

You love to jump. You ask to "jump" (with assistance) into the bath, into your car seat, out of a chair, virtually anywhere. Sometimes you just stand in the living room and jump for several minutes straight. You also like to pretend you're a bunny or a frog, hoping through the house making animal noises ("ribbit" for the frog and "hop" for the bunny).

You're still a very picky eater, but I'm quite sure you could eat your weight in pancakes. We make them almost every weekend, often per your request. Daddy and I have to eat quickly to even get a bite!

The "terrible two's" have most certainly started, although I cringe calling them "terrible" at all. They're more the "developmentally-appropriate two's", as you're not doing anything outside the realm of normal for a toddler. However, this means you are very contrary most days. Saying "no" for the sake of saying "no", exerting your independence, etc.

Despite being very contrary at times, you are still a very affectionate, snuggly boy. You love to snuggle in bed with Mama and Daddy, snuggle in your chair while reading books, or just give hugs/kisses throughout the day. It melts my heart... you are Mama's sweet, kind boy.

I love you, darling boy. I can't wait to see what this next year brings for you.

Love,

Mama