Dear daughter,
First of all let me start by saying that today has been two-rrific so far and it's only going to get better!! Happy birthday my dear. It's time again for me to spill my heart out to you. Hmm, I don't know if there's anything else that comes more easily than telling you how much I love you. So here goes......
Ya see, little bits and pieces of my memory are slowly seeping out of my brain as the days go by. I keep telling myself to write things down. And then I don't write things down. And then I forget things. And then I kick myself because I forgot. Well this post is a conglomeration of all that is has been happening in your world leading up to your second birthday. Things are changing fast!!! Livin' on Hallie time is exhaustingly thrilling! Here is my word vomit of your new loves, dislikes, habits, phrases and just plain silly nonsense.
Ya see, little bits and pieces of my memory are slowly seeping out of my brain as the days go by. I keep telling myself to write things down. And then I don't write things down. And then I forget things. And then I kick myself because I forgot. Well this post is a conglomeration of all that is has been happening in your world leading up to your second birthday. Things are changing fast!!! Livin' on Hallie time is exhaustingly thrilling! Here is my word vomit of your new loves, dislikes, habits, phrases and just plain silly nonsense.
Your love for Dora has grown exponentially. It's beyond a friendship. Straight up BFF status right here. Dora is now the one and only reason you want to go to bed at the end of the day. You can be found going from screaming, back-arching fit to sweet, cuddly girl once I remind you that your friend is waiting in your crib. Sweetest thing ever. You get so excited, give me one final hug and lunge into the bed to grab Dora. Then it goes something like this.....
The love for that bilingual gal doesn't stop at snuggling. She eats with us. She relaxes with us. She draws with us. And of course you are obsessed with her show. Wait, obsessed isn't even the word. More like consumed by. You know all the names of the characters and calls out to them when they pop up on the screen. Swiper, Dora, Boots and Benny....gang's all here. I have to admit that your dad and I have also grown to love the gal. You're pretty darn smart with the help of that map guy. ;) And don't get me started on how insanely cute your version of the Dora "we did it" dance is. It gets me everytime. You ball up your fists and swivel your hips around while waving your arms and yelling "we did it!!" What's even cuter than you doing the Dora dance???? You and your daddy doing the dance together. Oh yes, my friends, it happens every night.
Mad love for Dora
Boo boos are where it's at. So far I think we've used up 1/4 of the world's bandaid supply. Start rationing your "boo boo fixers" people! Hallie is stocking up! For the the life of me I will never see the appeal of taping bandaids all over your body. But we can't tell you that's it's not fun because you see it quite differently. In fact it's usually the first thing you say when we walk in the house at the end of the work day. Here's how it usually plays out: you look at me with a poor pitiful sad face and say "mama, boo boo" in the best fake whiny voice you have. You wanna know what?? It's actually the cutest thing I've ever seen in my entire life. Like a little stinker you play it up big and give me a big pouty lip after showing me your fake boo boo. When asked where you need to put your bandaid you usually points to your "boo boo" on your thigh. Being the drama queen that I am I usually give you boo boo a kiss and then place a bandaid on it while you wiggle and giggle with excitement. And then low and behold, wouldn't ya know it, three more boo boos pop up. Before I know it we've emptied half of the box. Yes, yes I'm a pushover when it comes to silly things like that. Here's a display of your recent wounds that have been resurging each night. Imagine that? You heal at the rate of a werewolf and then "bam!" those boo boos come right back.
Sassy to the max. If I'm being completely honest here....sometimes I feel like I'm your punching bag. And the other day you literally made me your punching bag. The first mean thing you've ever done to me and it nearly made me cry. You were playing around and hit my face. :( Fits are a very common occurrence these days and the ones in public are becoming more of a problem that I like to avoid at all cost. Usually the root cause of these tantrums is the fact that you can't resist grabbing things off the shelf at the grocery store. You'd think by now I would've learned to leave you at home....but usually this isn't an option....and I do enjoy a good challenge now and again. It's become sort of a game to see if we can have a successful shopping trip. Successful = no screaming or throwing yourself on the floor in the checkout line. Yes readers. This is my beloved baby girl. Oh my heavens. I guess I can't not share your most recent monumental meltdown moment. It happened yesterday. And it was so, so bad. You have your cousin Sarah to thank. She saved you from the grips of your momma just in the nick of time. We were six carts deep in the dreaded Walmart checkout line when an angel appeared and took your away to play with your cousins in the line next to us. Instant silence. It probably had something to do with this....
You have absolutely zero tolerance for the dogs (or anyone for that matter) being in the bathroom (or even the vicinity of the bathroom) while you are using the potty. Serious business let me tell you. You make it a point toclose slam the door before sitting on the potty. And if a dog happens to sneak in, they are quickly escorted out by lil miss with a very unfriendly "go!!!!!" I feel privileged to be on your "entry list" but I must admit it would be nice if both dad and I were allowed to help with the potty process because we seem to spend a lot of time in the bathroom these days. Heck, you are even bringing the bathroom with you on trips in the car....
If someone would've told me that my daughter would be potty trained by the time she was two I would've just laughed. Each day passes with no accidents and I still can't believe that it has been this easy. Let me tell you baby girl, for this I am blessed. Thank you, thank you!!!! You wear big girl panties at home and on outings but still use pull-ups for daycare and night time. Your only "accidents" happen upon waking up. You have actually had several "dry" nights this past week and Paula and Jerry are always so excited when they get to report that you stayed dry the entire day (even through nap time!!). The way I see it is...night time and nap time don't concern me at this point. We will cross that bridge later. But for now I can proudly say that you are fully "day trained." Running to the bathroom, pulling your pants down and emptying your potty have become routine for you and you certainly don't need my help most of the time. But something very strange happened at the very same time we began the potty training journey. You decided to cuddle with me. All the time. I. Am. Loving. It. Up until now you haven't been much of a "hugger" which, to be honest, left me feeling like I was missing out on that bond with you. We've been hugging up a storm lately so I feel as though we are catching up on lost time. ;) One more thing about potty training: whoever made it a rule that you must remove all your clothing just to potty???? ;)
The end of teething. I do believe that you are two canine teeth away from having a full mouth of teefers. Boy did your mouth save the worst for last. You won't identify your grumpiness as being related to your teeth but it's pretty evident that your mood changed once those two bottoms started pushing through. Your teeth sure are lucky to have you. They get brushed at least three times a day. You're tall enough now to open the top bathroom drawer where your toothbrush and toothpaste stay. A time or two I've caught you trying to suck your fluoride-free paste out of the tube. Hmm, maybe that's what's wrong with you sometimes. ;) Rest assured we've put an end to this habit. But in all seriousness, I would like you to keep taking care of that smile because your dad and I are quite fond of it.
There are so many funny and new things you say and do from day to day that it's impossible to remember everything. And this is why I envy people with reality tv shows. Someone to record your life on film Don't get me wrong, our life has its "not so pretty for viewing" moments but overall I would love to watch your little life play over again and again. I guess I'll settle for this blog. Oh, and by the way, don't ever be on a reality show. Your mother is only kidding. For the moments I can't remember I will just have to let it be.....but for the moments I do remember (and have photographic proof of) I will share of course......
My heavens you are chatty. Some of the expressions that come out of your mouth absolutely blow me away. One that always has us giggling is your newest expression: "oh boy!!" You must've picked this one up from your friends at daycare. You can be heard hollering commands like "stop!" and "stay!" and "don't!" You have figured out a lot of words by pointing to an object as if to ask "what is that" and repeating it when I tell you the word for it. Today you were wanting Nanny to throw you in the air in the pool so you pointed up and said "sky Nanny!" Somedays I feel like I need an interpreter and others we are totally on the same page. It's both fun and challenging to keep up with all of your new versions of words. You are pretty consistent when it comes to your night time send off. It usually includes a "night night" and a couple "uv ew" without being prompted. You are able to tell people that you are "two" and hold up two fingers.
Your likes and loves for the month: tinkering with tinker toys, pushing your baby in her stroller, stealing cookies from the pantry, begging for snacks at the fridge, drawing with sidewalk chalk, digging out your favorite hat/bow, watching The Lion King, fastening your seatbelt buckle over and over and over, playing chase with me around the couch, piling objects inside your shirt (and mine), brushing my hair for me, eating popsicles, bossing the dogs around, throwing things (sometimes nice things) in the trashcan, running anywhere and everywhere, putting my shoes on, rearranging my shoes, dressing yourself, being tickled by your dad and just plain being LOUD!
Although this is the last monthly love letter I plan to write you, it most certainly does not mean I won't be jotting you little notes from time to time. I have a feeling that my motherly instinct will go into overdrive as you continue to grow and learn...this should bring about plenty of advice that I will want to share with you. Oh, you just wait my dear. Life is beautiful. But it's also hard. And I'd like to help you along your way. know we have an interesting year ahead with a two-year-old running around. Promise me one thing: go easy on us, k? My dear, you have blessed us immensely these past two years with your sweet spirit, kind heart, sassy self, hugs and kisses, ear to ear grins, silly expressions, wild ways and your unconditional love for us.
I love you Gracie Bear,
Momma
P.S. - for some reason I get the feeling that no matter how old you are I will always picture you just. like. this......
Sassy to the max. If I'm being completely honest here....sometimes I feel like I'm your punching bag. And the other day you literally made me your punching bag. The first mean thing you've ever done to me and it nearly made me cry. You were playing around and hit my face. :( Fits are a very common occurrence these days and the ones in public are becoming more of a problem that I like to avoid at all cost. Usually the root cause of these tantrums is the fact that you can't resist grabbing things off the shelf at the grocery store. You'd think by now I would've learned to leave you at home....but usually this isn't an option....and I do enjoy a good challenge now and again. It's become sort of a game to see if we can have a successful shopping trip. Successful = no screaming or throwing yourself on the floor in the checkout line. Yes readers. This is my beloved baby girl. Oh my heavens. I guess I can't not share your most recent monumental meltdown moment. It happened yesterday. And it was so, so bad. You have your cousin Sarah to thank. She saved you from the grips of your momma just in the nick of time. We were six carts deep in the dreaded Walmart checkout line when an angel appeared and took your away to play with your cousins in the line next to us. Instant silence. It probably had something to do with this....
Cheetos thief!!!
Post-meltdown
You have absolutely zero tolerance for the dogs (or anyone for that matter) being in the bathroom (or even the vicinity of the bathroom) while you are using the potty. Serious business let me tell you. You make it a point to
If someone would've told me that my daughter would be potty trained by the time she was two I would've just laughed. Each day passes with no accidents and I still can't believe that it has been this easy. Let me tell you baby girl, for this I am blessed. Thank you, thank you!!!! You wear big girl panties at home and on outings but still use pull-ups for daycare and night time. Your only "accidents" happen upon waking up. You have actually had several "dry" nights this past week and Paula and Jerry are always so excited when they get to report that you stayed dry the entire day (even through nap time!!). The way I see it is...night time and nap time don't concern me at this point. We will cross that bridge later. But for now I can proudly say that you are fully "day trained." Running to the bathroom, pulling your pants down and emptying your potty have become routine for you and you certainly don't need my help most of the time. But something very strange happened at the very same time we began the potty training journey. You decided to cuddle with me. All the time. I. Am. Loving. It. Up until now you haven't been much of a "hugger" which, to be honest, left me feeling like I was missing out on that bond with you. We've been hugging up a storm lately so I feel as though we are catching up on lost time. ;) One more thing about potty training: whoever made it a rule that you must remove all your clothing just to potty???? ;)
The end of teething. I do believe that you are two canine teeth away from having a full mouth of teefers. Boy did your mouth save the worst for last. You won't identify your grumpiness as being related to your teeth but it's pretty evident that your mood changed once those two bottoms started pushing through. Your teeth sure are lucky to have you. They get brushed at least three times a day. You're tall enough now to open the top bathroom drawer where your toothbrush and toothpaste stay. A time or two I've caught you trying to suck your fluoride-free paste out of the tube. Hmm, maybe that's what's wrong with you sometimes. ;) Rest assured we've put an end to this habit. But in all seriousness, I would like you to keep taking care of that smile because your dad and I are quite fond of it.
There are so many funny and new things you say and do from day to day that it's impossible to remember everything. And this is why I envy people with reality tv shows. Someone to record your life on film Don't get me wrong, our life has its "not so pretty for viewing" moments but overall I would love to watch your little life play over again and again. I guess I'll settle for this blog. Oh, and by the way, don't ever be on a reality show. Your mother is only kidding. For the moments I can't remember I will just have to let it be.....but for the moments I do remember (and have photographic proof of) I will share of course......
Your likes and loves for the month: tinkering with tinker toys, pushing your baby in her stroller, stealing cookies from the pantry, begging for snacks at the fridge, drawing with sidewalk chalk, digging out your favorite hat/bow, watching The Lion King, fastening your seatbelt buckle over and over and over, playing chase with me around the couch, piling objects inside your shirt (and mine), brushing my hair for me, eating popsicles, bossing the dogs around, throwing things (sometimes nice things) in the trashcan, running anywhere and everywhere, putting my shoes on, rearranging my shoes, dressing yourself, being tickled by your dad and just plain being LOUD!
Although this is the last monthly love letter I plan to write you, it most certainly does not mean I won't be jotting you little notes from time to time. I have a feeling that my motherly instinct will go into overdrive as you continue to grow and learn...this should bring about plenty of advice that I will want to share with you. Oh, you just wait my dear. Life is beautiful. But it's also hard. And I'd like to help you along your way. know we have an interesting year ahead with a two-year-old running around. Promise me one thing: go easy on us, k? My dear, you have blessed us immensely these past two years with your sweet spirit, kind heart, sassy self, hugs and kisses, ear to ear grins, silly expressions, wild ways and your unconditional love for us.
I love you Gracie Bear,
Momma
P.S. - for some reason I get the feeling that no matter how old you are I will always picture you just. like. this......
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