Day Twenty-One

On your first full day as a two year old, you and Daddy went shopping at Sam's.

He says you were there for about an hour, and for most of the time you played the "what's that?" game. You went through a "what's that?" phase a while back, but now, it's different because you're acquiring new words on a daily basis. So, he dutifully named every thing you pointed at. I wonder how many of those words you'll remember.

The "what's that?" game ended when you noticed something of interest on a display-- a Daniel Tiger book! Daddy says you yelled so loudly with excitement when you noticed it that he's pretty sure everyone in the whole store heard you. I believe it. I've heard this yell before. Your enthusiasm for the things you love is loud and proud.

Of course, Daddy got you the Tigey book because you're not only loudly enthusiastic, but you're also super cute.

Day Twenty

Today at 1:19 P.M., you turned 2. We told you "happy birthday" as soon as you woke up, but as I went through the day, I was imagining this day two years ago down to the smallest detail with my 2 favorites being:

1. Holding you for the first time 

Has there ever been a more perfect squishy face?

2. Introducing you to your sister.

Never in the history of sisters has there been one who loved hers as much as yours loves you. 

Day 1 and Today

I couldn't wait for you to get home this afternoon because even though your birthday party isn't until next weekend, Nora and I baked you a cake. Nora insisted on purple, obviously, because of how much you love Barney. You were both very excited about the cake, but neither of you ate very much of it, which was probably for the best anyway because it was close to bed time.

We also got you a couple of presents because everyone needs presents on their actual birthday. Daddy picked out 2 earlier today, and Nora wanted to get you something else just from her.

Minnie Mouse and a hand-picked "2" card from big sis

Daniel Tiger toys from Daddy and me

We also did our traditional "chair" pictures like we did each month leading up to your first birthday. At first, you weren't very cooperative...

You eventually sat still long enough for me to get some adorable pictures of you, my adorable little girl.

How precious are you??

All sass!

In shock that you're 2. Me, too!

BOP!

Officially done with the paparazzi

It didn't take long for you to decide that you were OVER having your pictures taken.

You did indulge me a few more when your Daddy sat in your chair because then you wanted to snuggle and read and sing with him. I'm pretty sure he's your favorite most of the time, and I'm mostly ok with it since you do still give me some of the best hugs and kisses any momma could ever hope for.

Here you are with your #1 guy.

You have this sweet man wrapped around your finger. He even sings for you. Sings! This is unheard of in all other situations, but for you, he will do anything-- even sing. <3

I sing for you, too, but it doesn't seem to have quite the same impact as when Daddy does it. Still, I know you love your momma. Here we are having some snuggles shortly before your bedtime.

So, Matilda Ann, all-in-all, it was a good day for you, I think. Watching you grow into a smart, sassy, independent, beautiful, loving, amazing little girl is one of our greatest joys, but it's also bittersweet since, as I've said before, and I know I'll say again, you are our "last baby".

Daddy and I love you to the moon and back, sweet Tilly, and we're so glad you're ours. There are no words that properly capture our unconditional love for you, but we hope you can feel it within the pages of this book.

Day Nineteen

Tonight is your last night as a ONE year old. When we wake up in the morning, you'll be 2.

I find it incredibly hard to believe that you, my last baby-- the one who perfectly completed our family-- has been here for two whole years.

Then again, it's like I've known you my whole life.

Here you are reflecting on your early years.  I can tell that like me, you wish time would slow down just a little.

Day Eighteen

I think you've really started looking forward to those few minutes you spend outside each afternoon when you get home from Ms. Tracy's.

You have lots of ideas about fun things to do: play with leaves, splash in puddles, go for a ride!

Day Seventeen

You're a big girl helping Daddy in with the groceries-- or at least leading the way as he brings them in.

Day Sixteen

Four days from now, you turn two, and today we had your 2 year well visit at the doctor's office. I knew you'd be getting a shot, but I didn't realize or remember that you would also be getting a finger prick. This stresses me out, mostly because big sis knows how to put on an award worthy performance whenever she's going to be getting either of those things.

But you? You're as cool as a cucumber. The nurse who drew blood from your finger practically squealed with delight at how calm you were. You barely flinched when you got the shot, and again, the nurse was elated. I'm sure that's not the norm, but there's not much about you that's ordinary as far as this momma is concerned. (I'm not biased at all!)

We found out that you're still a giant as far as 2 year olds are concerned. Your weight and height remain between the 90th and 95th percentiles at 31 lbs and 35.5 inches. You're mostly wearing a size 3T, but in shirts, you're better off in a 4T because like your sister and Daddy, you have a long torso. They checked your vision, which is perfect.

We also had to fill out a crazy long survey a few days ahead of the appointment, and it determined that you're "at expectation" for gross and fine motor skills and "above the cut off" for verbal communication, social-emotional factors, and problem solving. I wish Nanny was here so I could share this information with her. She would be gushing. You'd be a genius as far as she is concerned.

We did find out that you still have a double ear infection, which hurt my heart a little. We just finished up a 10 day round of amoxicillin a week or so ago, but I should have known that something wasn't quite right because your sleep changed for the worse and your nose has still been really crusty. Mom guilt is a real thing, Tilly, but I'm doing the best I can.

So, all that to say that you are amazing and perfect in every way. I'm so blessed that you're my daughter and thankful that I get to be your mommy.

I can't believe that in a few short days my beautiful last baby will be TWO instead of one. <3

Day Fifteen

You love bath time. So much that if we suggest bed time before you've had a bath, you're likely to tell us "no, bath!" and then toddler your way to the tub. You love to play with some of your bath toys, like the boats and Mickey and Minnie. You like to wash your bath toys with your wash cloth and bubbles, so we have to have 2 wash cloths available: one for you to wash yourself and your toys, and one for Daddy and me to actually wash you.

So yeah, bath time is the best!

Until it's time to actually get washed, in which case bath time is the worst.