A letter to my two year old

Dear Kendall,

My sweet, sweet girl is now two.

Hard to believe that it's been two years since we brought you home.

Our lives have become pretty busy over the past several months, so it's not often that I get to sit back and reflect on the fact that you are becoming an amazing little girl.

Your dad and I are so thankful that we have you in our lives.  You wake up happy every single day and enjoy all that every day has to offer.  You love to run and play chase, and enjoy dancing and showing off your jumping skills.  You're constantly learning and exploring whatever you can find, which is one reason that I'm so happy that you've been going to preschool for a few months now.  You always come home singing new songs and teaching us more sign language.  You're also so proud of the artwork that you create.

We love the things that you are doing now, but it's also bittersweet in some ways.  As we approached the two year mark, it was becoming apparent that the days of having a baby around the house were quickly coming to an end.  You no longer sleep in a crib, as now you're in a toddler bed that you can climb in and out of.  You sit in a big girl booster seat at mealtimes, and like to have your chair pulled up to the dinner table with everyone else.  Your room is now filled with toddler toys, including pretend play items, an art easel, duplo blocks, as well as dress up clothes and accessories.  You're playing much more independently these days, and it's amazing to see your imagination at work.

In addition to playing independently, you're also being more independent.  "Kendall do it" and "Kendall's turn" are two phrases heard quite frequently these days, and you seem to have quite an opinion on many things, including what you wear and what you eat.  You love to set up tea parties, but these are done on your terms, and everyone has to use a certain cup that you set out for them.  

This past year brought some medical challenges; first a helmet and then a surgery for your "curly toes".  You were a trooper through both experiences, never complaining about what you had to go through, but always letting us know what you needed.  We're so glad that we went through with both of these experiences, and know that you'll be happier in the long run because we did.

I feel so lucky for so many things related to you, but I may be most happy about the fact that you are such a sweet and loving little girl.  Gram told me a story recently about sitting down to read "Are You My Mother?" with you.  You were so concerned that the birdie had lost it's mommy.  You're always willing to give out hugs and kisses, sometimes to Mommy and Daddy, but always to your stuffed animals and Lani.  Your teachers have told us a number of times what a joy you are every day, and how much they love having you in their class.  I know that this is because you are so sweet and easygoing - two traits that they probably love for their students to have.

I hope that you know how loved you are, and how many people love you to pieces.

Happy 2nd Birthday, Kiki!  Can't wait to see what the next year brings!

Love,
Mom