Turning Two

A week and three days ago, my sweet baby, my Kitty Cat, my itty bitty (Smaller Child) turned TWO YEARS OLD!

We had a small party at the beach while we were there.  I bought a few decorations, found party hats we all got to decorate, Mom picked up a cake, and we all gathered to celebrate the second anniversary of his birth.  He seemed delighted to be the center of attention, and everyone else sure were good sports in the process.

 

 

HOW IN THE HECK DID THAT HAPPEN??  I remember when Larger Child turned two, there was a moment of "holy bajesus, that went fast!" but, this time, it seems like we skipped over a whole year or something! I mean seriously, I feel like I just got done cleaning up mustache whiskers from the "Little Man" birthday party. 

So, another year older... what have we learned? What has changed? How has he grown?

1. He's increasing his vocabulary exponentially every day.
2. He is just as hilarious as the rest of the clan.
3. He's tough! Loves to rough house, and can already beat up his brother.
4. Somehow our gigantor is turning in to a picky eater, though when he finds something he likes, you better stock up.
5. He rolls with the punches better than any kiddo I've seen.  Never gets too bent out of shape with changes, big or small.
6. He is obsessively in love with all things that go vroom!
7. He has one of the best laughs I have ever heard.
8. He's fearless. (and a little klutzy)
9.  He's already over three feet tall, and weighs over 35lbs, wearing 3t's.
10. He is learning his colors and shapes. Is showing great interest in letters and numbers... though he doesn't have the patience to sit with me the way his brother did.  I am having to find much more sneaky ways to "teach" my kinesthetic learner.
11. He's learning empathy, sympathy, remorse, forgiveness, and generosity.  When you are very very young, these traits are hard to understand.  We seem to be born animals, wanting everything... it is only through exposure, experience, and understanding that we develop these very humanistic emotions. It is an awe-some experience to watch a soul develop. Something I will never be able to fully express my gratitude for, something I will be forever changed by. 

My Little Man, he's just flat out fantastic. I cannot believe I lived as long as I did without him in my life.  Our family has been lifted up, redefined, and fulfilled by his existence. Happy Birthday Kitty Cat!