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Darling Girl,
Happy 2.5 years!!! I can’t believe we are halfway
through this year of your life. Every stage has been so much fun and while we
have had our doses of difficult moments (I refuse to call them terrible twos),
you are more sweet and fun than anything else.
(I think) you are now 26 pounds and 36.5 inches
long - long and lean as always. You can fit into 3T pants and 2T pants, but the
2T size look like capris on you! Your favorite thing to wear is anything pink,
and anything polka dots. We had about a month
long battle in January over clothes in the mornings and I gave up and let you
choose whatever you want to wear, even if you look like Punky Brewster, or look
like you’re wearing pajamas.
Your hair is now down to the middle
of your back (when wet) and is still wavy and light brown. You don't let me put
it up in a top knot or "ballerina" bun anymore - picking out your
"HAIW CWIPS" is a morning ritual and it lets you feel like you have
some control.
Although you are long and lean, you eat very well.
There are days when you eat like a baby bird, but most days you get 3 good
meals plus 2 snacks in. Your favorite foods (according to you) are: donuts,
chocolate, trees (broccoli), cheese, milk and applesauce. You eat peas, brussel
sprouts, tomatoes, cucumbers, pickles and carrots, but you despise spinach and
any kind of lettuce. You still love fruit, chicken, pepperoni and any sort
of potato chip or cracker.
We moved you into a twin size bed in early January
and you love it! We let you pick out your bedding and you chose Minnie Mouse
sheets and a pink bed spread. Every night we tuck you in and you pull the
covers up to your chin. It's so cute! You continue to be a night owl, going to
sleep between 8 and 10pm depending on how wired you are, but we always have
bedtime at 8pm. Some nights you'll lay in bed for an hour just singing and talking to yourself! You sleep about 10-12 hours a night and another 1-3 hours for an afternoon nap - again all depending on how wired or worn out you are. You also tend to
sleep later in the mornings which I LOVE!
Every night for the last few weeks
I tell you made up stories about “Princess Brighton” a little girl who lives in
a big house with her mommy, her daddy, her doggie and her kitty. You love to
hear stories about your make-believe adventures and tell me that's what you'll dream about when you're sleeping.
You now like to take showers and it’s the only time you’ll let me get your hair totally
wet, shampooed and properly rinsed. We have begun to talk about potty training
- you picked out a potty (Minnie Mouse again) and have pooped on the potty once
but we think it was just a happy accident. You have tried about 4 times a week
since mid-January but nothing has happened yet. We don’t want to rush you so
we're going to let you set the pace.
You haven't mastered the potty, but you
have mastered other things - getting yourself dressed for instance. One
morning I watched in amazement as you said, "No I do it!" and
pulled on your own shirt, pants and socks. PJs are also a breeze for you. You can sing about 30 songs
from memory and know how to cut your food (with a butter knife). You can
also do a forward sommersault without our help and are very good at balancing
on things. Your daddy is already looking into gymnastic classes for you.
Some of my new favorite things about
you include hearing you recite books verbatim, especially “Hand, Hand, Fingers,
Thumb”; asking “Is dis for meeee?” or “Is dat for meee?” when you see
something you want or like; asking for a tissue so you can blow your nose;
wanting to wear make-up like Mommy and having whole conversations about your
day at dinner. One thing I am not a fan of is your new trick of telling anyone
who is talking too loud, “Shhhh” and putting your hand over my mouth when you
want me to stop talking. Thankfully you have your manners down pat - you say
please, thank you, you’re welcome, and excuse me. Also, you say “It’s awright”
or “I’m otay” on the regular.
You have continued to blossom into a sweet, empathic and sensitive
child. You are cautious around people and situations you are not comfortable or
familiar with, but we make sure to reassure you of our presence and your
safety. I like that you take your time to observe then engage – it will make
for wise decisions later in life. You adore your friends, at both school and
our friend’s children, and play dates at our house or at a local park are some
of your favorite things. You show such gentle affection for your dog and cat,
your family and your friends. I love your kisses and giant hugs.
Brighton Love, we can’t believe how big you are. You are one hundred
percent a little girl with a strong and beautiful sense of self. We are so
proud of you and we are so happy to be your parents. It’s an honor to raise you
and show you the way in life.
We love you! Happy half birthday!
