Two Years Old

Dear Norah,
Happy birthday! You turned two last week and it still blows my mind. These two years have passed by so quickly, and all of a sudden we have an independent, talking toddler.

Just before your second birthday, we entered a new phase. You suddenly know what you want, when you want it, and who you want to do it. You have always had opinions, but they play a bigger role in our lives now. This probably happened more gradually then I remember, but it feels like we had almost an overnight change.

Your daddy and I find ourselves constantly trying to find the right balance between recognizing your opinions and needs and reminding you who is in control. On many occasions we have realized (in hindsight) that you "played" us. For example, we sometimes give in too easily in an effort to avoid a meltdown. (Typical rookie mistake!) This, in combination with your current mommy phase, is keeping these first-time parents on their toes.

After one particularly difficult streak, your daddy and I made some decisions. It was time to agree on specific, common action and language that we would use in an attempt to control a given situation. You are now given a "last chance" to put the book away/come in the house on your own/get in your chair by yourself/etc. When given your last chance you are warned that the alternative is for mommy/daddy to do it for you. This approach sometimes results in a meltdown, involving your head on the floor and bottom up in the air, and when that happens we simply leave the room to let you get control of yourself. We prepared ourselves for this type of reaction and while it is difficult at times we realize it is the right thing to do. We know you feel better when you understand the boundaries and the action we are taking is simply meant to remind you what they are.

Though we are working through the new challenges of your strong-willed personality, we feel that eventually it will serve you well in life (at least we hope).

And besides, you're not ALWAYS challenging. Most of the time you are a pleasant, fun, eager and silly child. Your sense of humor is starting to come through more and more - like when you put your chin on your chest and look up at us through the corners of your eyes. It makes us laugh every time.

You are very focused on vocabulary, learning new words every day. Just yesterday I taught you that "diesel" trucks are loud and you later passed this new information on to daddy. You recently started using words like "this," "that," "almost" and "still." One day on the way home you informed me, "Daddy no home yet." It is such a joy to observe your development and marvel at your new words.

We sense that you would have been ready to start potty training a month or two ago, but since you will not be trained at school until you move into your next class we have not forced it. We put you on the potty whenever you ask, and within the past few weeks you have gone twice.

You have recently shown more of an interest in dolls. You like to pretend play with them and your other stuffed animals. You frequently tell us that they are crying because they fell down, and when we suggest that you give them a hug and kiss to make them feel better you quickly do just that. You sometimes put your dolls on the potty or tell us they need a diaper change. Your infatuation with lions (or "roars" as you call them) continues. You typically have at least one close by and search for a lion sticker in the box at school almost every day.

Besides the dolls, you enjoy coloring, singing ABCs, doing puzzles, and playing with one particular toy that is wooden food held together with velcro that you cut into pieces with a wooden knife and cutting board. You also know how to count to 10 and have recently mastered a handful of basic colors. On the way to school you frequently point out, "red truck" or "yellow school bus!"

You love the outdoors! The weather has finally cooled off enough for us to be outside more. We are taking advantage of our play scape in the backyard as well as the park that is a few blocks from our house. You also enjoy walks and runs in the jogging stroller. In fact, last weekend daddy took you for a 7-mile run and you were content the entire time.

Your bedtime is around 7:00PM, and you sleep until between 6:30 and 7:00AM. You nap consistently from  12:00-2:00PM at school, though it is slightly less consistent at home.

We are afraid you might be a slightly picky eater, though also sense it may be somewhat typical for your age. We are doing what we can to continue introducing you to new foods and encouraging you to at least try what is on your plate. You love breakfast--pancakes, eggs, oatmeal, fruit, peanut butter toast--and eat everything they put in front of you at school (including a second breakfast right when you arrive). Supper, however, is often small and sometimes skipped all together.

Daddy and I love your good bye routine. You give us a big hug while saying, "Ahhhhhh," a zerbert on the cheek, and a kiss on the lips. This is often followed by another hug.

Sweet little Peanut, you can definitely give me a good challenge, but I will gladly take them on because along with them I get all of the good stuff, too. And there is plenty of good stuff! You make me laugh every day and I am thoroughly enjoying watching you grow and develop.

I often ask you, "Do you remember that mommy loves you?" If there is one thing I want you to know, it is that I will ALWAYS love you unconditionally.

Love,
Mommy