You’ve been two for almost a month now and I would have to disagree with the “terrible twos”. The tantrums and defiance started way before your second birthday and still continue on though not as often. You have learned how sharing works (asking and waiting for an affirmative answer before taking a toy) and very recently you learned about turn-taking (if someone says no, then saying ‘turn please’ and giving up a toy after a minute when someone asks for a turn). These concepts have gone a long way in helping you control your emotions while expressing what you want.
All your life you have been pretty much on target for meeting all the big milestones such as crawling, walking and talking. You have always had friends ahead and behind and have stayed in the middle though I think you are excelling with your fine motor skills. You are talking a lot now and sometimes repeat a word over and over again till Daddy or I repeat it back to you so you know we understood. You speak in 2-3 word sentences and love to identify your surroundings.
We put you to bed around 8:15-8:30 and you wake up around 7:30. Between 12-12:30 you go down for a 2-2.5 hour nap everyday. You love oatmeal with mashed banana for breakfast, a bun (or some leftovers) with plain yogurt topped with cinnamon for lunch and generally you enjoy whatever we are having for dinner minus the vegetables. For snacks you love cheese, apple sauce and cheerios. You have been loving peas lately which is a welcome addition to your diet.
You seem to enjoy every part of your day whether we are going to the park, playing inside, working on art projects, helping me prepare dinner or shopping. You love hanging out with your friends and with almost anyone who will give you attention. In new surroundings or with new people you take a little while to feel comfortable but once you feel safe you are friendly, smiling and ready to go.
For breakfast and lunch you now sit at your special table and only use your booster seat at dinner (otherwise you wouldn’t be able to reach the table). You are drinking from a real cup now and using proper utensils.
You have grown so much in this past year and we love you so much. You are a delightful, happy daughter and we are so glad you are part of our lives.
You guys have done such a great job with Leah!