On the Brink of Two

Unbelievably, our baby is about to turn two next month! She's both stubborn and sweet, as inclined to shriek as to bestow kisses and hugs, and she's developing a personality that belies her petite size!

 

Our little mama's girl knows what she wants and when she wants it, and can often be heard screaming "Mom!!" like a demanding teenager. Whether she's loudly requesting a "boll-le" or a "juice," giving strangers her suspicious stink-eye, or pointing her finger imperially in the direction she wants to be carried, she has no shortage of volume or presence.

She's still in love with her brother and sister, and is happiest when she's a part of their fun, mischief and silliness. She's clearly adrift whenever "Jof" and "Ca-Ca" are not in the house, lights up when we pick them up from school, and loves being their baby at home or abroad... whether holding one of their hands in the car, or being entertained by their antics in the grocery store. She loves books fiercely ("'ook!!" is a frequent, urgent request), is obsessed with Elmo and all of his friends on Sesame Street, and is becoming more and more interested in pretend play, especially with dollhouses and our horse barn.  

While she's still growing into 12-18 clothes, she's rapidly outgrowing other vestiges of babyhood, including her highchair. This picture sums up her personality these days -- this particular morning, she had shed her clothes, leaving a trail of pint-size garments in her toddler wake, did some coloring at the art desk, managing to color the bottom of her foot while she was at it, and finally clambered up on a chair in the dining room to have breakfast: cereal and juice out of a big girl cup!

While family, friends and strangers constantly remark on her uber-blonde hair and big blue eyes, it was her teeth that drew the biggest gasp from her pediatrician at her latest check-up. While she's still pint-size for her age, she said she rarely sees such a mouthful of chompers at 22 months. Here she is showing them off! 

And finally, her latest laugh!