Two and a Half

The title says it all. Baby girl, today you turned two and a half years old. It is just unreal and unexplainable. It seems like you've been part of our lives for the whole two and a half years but at the same time we've only been blessed with your presence for a short two and a half years. I recently asked you dad what was our life, evening, and weekends before you were born because I simply don't remember. You basically took over my life and there is nothing wrong with that.

Let's see what you are up to now:

1. We came back from our family vacation a few weeks ago. It was your third time vacationing with us in Mexico and forth time flying with us.

The flight was about 5 hours and it was the longest one for you. You didn't sleep on the plain at all, even though I was hoping you would give you mama a break. We woke you up early too (around 6am) but that still didn't do the trick. I think you were just excited about the adventure ahead of you. Let me just say, girl, you had a blast! I'll do a separate post on the vacation later.

2. You are becoming way too independent. I kind of like it and kind of don't. I love to see how you are being all grown up. You can easily dress yourself, put on shoes, zip up the jacket, eat/drink without help, sit on a big chair, get into car seat, and other things you can already do by yourself. But I really dislike that you don't need my help as much as you used to. Now I notice that I try to help you and you put on your big girl panties and tell me you can do it by yourself.

3. Now that is finally starting to get warmer outside, you and I can finally head to a playground after I pick you up from daycare. You go crazy and wild there especially if you see Sophia (playground/gymnastics buddy) and/or girls from daycare. You run around after each other, jump, slide side by side, play with sand and ball. I love watching you interact with other kids. But please just stay away from mean, older kids. Last week, you tried to pick up some sand next to a girl who was also playing with sand and she just pushed you away, blocked the sand, and tried to yell something. It melts my heart to see you so helpless and clueless. And quite honestly I wanted to smack that girl. So, for every one's benefit, let's just play with nice kids.

4.  I call you our little monkey nowadays because that is exactly what you are. You repeat everything we say.

5.You've become quite talkative and can have a real conversation. Whenever you don't understand a word, you put a hand to your ear and ask "chto?" (what?). Whenever you hear a sound outside or inside the house that is not familiar to you you always ask "mama, chto eto bilo?" (mom, what was that?). Whenever it works to your advantage you always say "ya bol'shaya" ( I am big) and whenever it doesn't you go "no ya malen'kaya" (but I am little). You are one smart cookie.

6. You are a big fan of candy and ice cream. You had quite a lot of ice cream on vacation and now we are slowly cutting back :)

7. You still like Luntik and he is been your favorite cartoon character for quite some time now. I wonder when you'll want to switch. Anytime, baby girl, anytime. That music and voices are getting old and are pretty annoying. I've tried introducing new cartoons but you watch one episode and then request Luntik.

8. You love to color and enjoy when someone is drawing with you. For example, you dad will draw you a letter or a shape and you'll color the it inside. Then you'll ask for a new shape and that will go on for about 15 minutes.  

9. You play with your older cousin and your baby cousin. You look up to the older one and try to take care of the younger. You'll kiss Alyssa especially if other people watch you do it and go "ahhh" and "oohh, how cute". I've noticed that you'll stop with the kisses if no one is watching you or you'll get their attention and will kiss her again. You just love attention.

10. Speaking of attention, I feel like you constantly need it. You still don't like to play by yourself. You always want other people to watch you do gymnastic tricks or just to see how cute and silly you are. You crave it and you know how to get it.

11. I also call you a drama queen occasionally. I am quite sure we'll sign you up for a theater program and you'll be good at it. I think it is in your genes. No, no, you definitely didn't get it from me or your father. Most likely from older generations. Who knows, maybe you'll grow up to be famous and all :)

12. You are really affectionate, especially with your daddy. You'll hug and kiss him. You'll lay on his chest whenever he is not feeling good. You'll stroke his hair and tell him it'll be OK (skoro proidet). Your daddy is quite fond of you too. I've known him for many years and only you, baby girl, can make him smile so often.

What more can I say that I haven't said before. My love for you grows everyday. I don't think there are words to explain what you mean to me, to us. Just now that we love you to infinity and beyond.

With all my love,

Mama