Girl’s Life

Happy 23 months birthday, Sophia!

Yesterday you turned 23 months, and I’ve officially begun mentally gearing up for the big 2nd birthday. You have been such a trooper lately during this insanely busy month as we pack up all of our stuff and move to a new house. Being almost-two can be a hard and confusing age for a little girl — what with all the learning and constant surge of new things to explore and understand — but you are making it through with flying colors. Despite taking a huge detour on the meltdown exit to tantrumville tonight (20 minutes . . . 30 minutes . . . hmm, are you still rolling on the floor crying for your shoes to be taken off and then immediately wanting them back on?), you more than make up for those times with your beautiful and joyful and abundantly large personality.

Tutu, tiara, jeans? That pretty much sums you up in a nutshell. You are rough and tumble, but with plenty of style.

I have so much to say to you right now at this wonderful and intense stage of toddlerhood. But this moment as I sit here typing, I am feeling genuinely introspective and less wordy than usual. I just want you to know this month that I am thoroughly enjoying you, meltdowns and all. Your smile, with that one lone and charming dimple, your songs that by the end always turn into hilarious medleys of every little ditty you know, the cute way you say, “Bless you, Mommy” when I sneeze and “Excused, please?” when you’re done with dinner, your tears of joy when you see me after daycare. All of these things make the stress of moving and the craziness of almost-twoness melt away and make me so very proud to know you and to have helped you get this far.

Let’s see if we can’t ring in this turning two business right. Grab your tutu — we’ve got some serious dress-up to do.