Lia is 2!

Dear Lia, We can hardly believe you are two years old!...and what a wonderful two years it has been. Your birthday fell on a Sunday this year. We already had the big birthday party celebration; so, we decided to keep things simple with a cake, a few happy birthday songs, and the enjoyment of watching you blow out your birthday candles one more time...

Lia, you are a very special girl! Beginning with your birth story -having been born "in the caul"-- is unusual and special in itself. You slept through your birth, snuggled your way through your first birthday, and melted the hearts of all your family members on your second. If we had to describe you in only three words, your dad and I would say you are: Loving, Quiet, and Determined! We very much enjoy how snuggly and affectionate you are. Each morning when we go into your room to lift you out from your crib, we are greeted with a smile, a "Hi Momma/Daddy," and open arms just waiting for us to embrace you. Throughout the day, you find several opportunities to share a hug, kiss, or cuddle --whether it be with me, your daycare friends, or your puppy and blanket. And, nothing beats how genuinely happy you are to see your Dad and I return home, even after a half hour errand, it's wonderful to come home to see you waiting at the top of the stairs with your arms wide open waiting for a big hello hug and kiss. At this point, your Dad and I are indifferent about your quiet disposition. We can say that we find it rather refreshing to listen to your soft, sweet voice in our otherwise noisy house. And, as for your dermination--we don't exactly care for this particular trait of yours...at this point in your life anyway. While we know someday we will be grateful you have been blessed with a strong will to persevere, that day is not today! As a two-year-old, your determination can be a bit of a struggle at times for your Dad and I. "I DO MYSELF!" we hear from you quite often. "OK." is what we tell you --as we've learned not to intervene until you ask for help. Luckily, you have a stay-at-home mom with a very seldom need to be "in a hurry" to go somewhere or do something. While we stick to a very strict routine at daycare, if the need for you to practice doing something on your own happens to arise, I simply let you "do it yourself" until one of two things happen: 1) you do it yourself! yay!, or 2) you surrender to your frustration and ask for help. While this can be a difficult stage, we realize you are becoming more and more independent with each day that passes. In the meantime, your dad and I have learned how to maintain expert control over our patience. Lia, here are a few random "noteworthy" thoughts about you as a 2-year-old: -You are a "momma's girl" right now...which I do love, and know won't last long. -You sleep with four special buddies at night: puppy, baby, panda bear, and baby genius dog. You also sleep with your special blanket, aka - blanky, or "neeny" as you call it. -You love to dance! Kidz Bop CD and Mickey Mouse Clubhouse 'Choo Choo Express' are a few of your favorite music choices. -You LOVE to be read to, and also enjoy paging through piles of books independently. -You can repeat most anything we say, and you're learning to make sentences. -Your laughter and the way you can find joy in anything you do always make us smile. Like I said before, you are a special girl, Lia. We are very proud of you! Love, Mom & Dad