Someone turned two today! A few scattered thoughts on the matter before I turn in:
We always get about twice as many gifts as Elsie can handle before a meltdown. At one, one gift would have been PLENTY. This year, 3 was about the limit. I trickled a few out the day after her party (without wrapping). Many more were put away for Christmas in a few weeks. Who knew there would be so many gifts from a small family celebration!
The balloons were the favorite gift of all, even after losing their loft in 24 hours. Tip for tot parents on a budget: cheap and fleeting joy is still joy worth having. Balloons are where it's at!
It is definitely time for full-on potty training. Note the awesome big-girl pants in the picture. They have racoons on them. Both Elsie and I are rather fond of them. More on the potty training in future posts.
What a strange November 28th, that I could take my little girl outside in nothing but her undies and a cardigan, and have her perfectly comfortable!
Everyone always warned me that it goes fast. Everyone is correct!
Before I had a baby, I used to worry about what would happen when she was two. I remembered how trying some of the two-year-olds I babysat could be, and I worried that I wouldn't love Elsie as much when she got stubborn and started throwing tantrums. How wrong I was! How completely and utterly wrong!
I love Elsie more every day. She's more fun now than she ever has been before. For every small tantrum I weather, I get to enjoy the myriad other facets of her development. She has a very easy disposition compared to the kids I used to sit, but even if she didn't, even if she was trying as hell, this would still be awesome. Sure, she sometimes tells me "NO!" When I'm tired, it's sometimes hard to hold my ground. Babies don't put you through that. But babies also don't talk to you. Babies don't share jokes with you or sing to you or count to you or tell you stories. For every moment I have to steady my nerves or issue a time-out, there are a dozen moments (or maybe a hundred) where Elsie fills me with joy, makes me laugh with delight, or shocks me with her ever-growing ability. It's all special and important, but one was better than infancy and two is even better than one. I love this!
Happy birthday to my darling girl. You couldn't be any more special than you are, Elsie. I am so lucky to have you!
How wonderful! My little girl is almost 8 months and I relate to your comment about how they are more fun everyday!
ReplyDeleteI have been thinking about you and the pregnancy. I am sending you all the positive vibes and optimistic thinking possible! I cried when I read your announcement! I am so happy for you!
Love and light,
Kelly
Hi Kate,
ReplyDeleteCongrats on being the mother of a two-year-old! Unfortunately, the photo of Elsie doesn't load. This has happened on a few of your recent posts.
Jenn
Kate, this was beautifully written! It really does (at least for me) continue in that tradition, Mia will be 14 in the spring, and though our trying times get *more* difficult each year, the good times get even better. I never thought of it that way until you described it. Anyway, happy birthday to Ms. Elsie! And happy birthing day anniversary to you :-)
ReplyDeleteJoyeux Anniversaire Elsie! Freya turns 7 this June and I just don't know where the time went, and she's a dog baby! Enjoy it all so, so, much! :)
ReplyDeleteps. Same comment as Jenn above, can't see your pics?? LRMJ