Millie: Two Years Old

Two years ago today, I received the title "Mom".  One of the best, most rewarding titles anyone could want, need or have.  My little Millie girl was born into this world at 8:03 pm.  You were a little thing (compared to your little sis) with long legs, fingers and toes.  You had (and still have) big lips, thick dark hair, and squinty eyes.  I remember that day so well.  I think I experienced every emotion that day.  But boy are your dad and I glad you chose us.  What a blessing you are and have been to our family.  I have loved and still do love being your mama.  You have taught me so much over these last few years, and I know I will continue to learn from you. 

You are such a big girl.  I know dad and I have pushed you a little more, and probably have made you grow up before you want to...but hey, you still have your paci and your "little blank-et" wherever we go.  You love them both now more than you ever have!  We have tried many times to take that paci away, but you somehow always end up with one in your mouth.  It drives dad and me nuts, but whatever makes you happy.  

You are a very smart girl and amaze me (us) every day with everything you do.  You can count to 10, sometimes 12, and most often skip number eight.  You know your ABC's, their sounds and what they look like.  You know your colors, most shapes like; diamond, square, circle, star, and heart.  You can speak full sentences, and know exactly what you want.  You still call dad, "Case" and you sometimes call me "mear".  We laugh every time!  

You are obsessed with watching shows.  Maybe we watch a little too much tv, but what's a mom to do when all you do is cry and cry for them?  Sometimes it's just easier to turn one show on.  You love Dora, "little steins" (Little Einsteins) and "Mickey Clouse" (mickey mouse clubhouse).  Every once and a while you ask for Caillou and Chuggington.  

You are always making a mess.  We give you a napkin; you ball it up or tear it in small pieces and put it under your chin..it always ends up on the floor.  You get a bag of crayons and dump it out.  You get things out of drawers and leave them out.  You are one hard one to keep up with.  Lets just say, our house is rarely spotless.

You laugh at yourself all the time.  If you ever trip, you give yourself a little giggle.  You dance and giggle.  Dad and I love that about you!  We think you're funny too!

You are a very good dancer.  Lately, you love listening to music.  If you hear any music, even if it's a flute, you dance with your arms up and rock from side to side.  Sometimes in church when the hymns are played, you dance.  You dance the same every time.  It is a great move!

You hate pictures.  You will never look at the camera and smile for me...even with bribery.  

You love to put Ivy's headbands on yourself and your babies.  You love your babies.  You rock them when they cry, feed them when they are hungry, bounce them to get them to sleep and lay them in their crib with their blankies.  

You love to have your toes painted. "Paint toes" is a phrase we hear often.  Anytime you see nail polish, you ask.  

You haven't loved to read books lately.  Maybe you are sick of the ones you have.  If you do want to read, you don't want anyone to read to you.  You have to do it all by yourself.  You do love reading books to Ivy or your babies.  You do love to color, paint, and play play-doh...but not for very long.  The paint, crayons and play-doh always end up in your mouth.  You still taste and eat everything that you are not supposed to!  We are working on it every day and are progressing.  You are still a very good eater.  You eat just about everything we do!  One thing you do hate, is watermelon.  Every. Single. Time. there is watermelon on the table, you try so hard to like it.   You always want a taste.  But you never like it, just like dad.  You love almonds!!  and always have to have "snacks".  Usually crackers AND almonds.

You are little miss independent.  You have to buckle your seatbelt all by yourself and climb in the car all by yourself.  "Millie do it"!  

You love to go to Meijer, Target, Costco, the bank and the post office.  Every time we pass a big building you yell, "Costcooo!"  Every time we pass Meijer, you let us know.  

You love the neighbors cats.  You get right in their faces, pet them and say "hi kitty!"  You giggle at them when they run away, and chase them.

You adore dad.  You always want to "wait on porch" for him to come home from work, or "daddy sit down too" when you watch a show.  You love to go meet him for lunch, visit his work and sit in his chair in his office.  

You are really into telling us whose things are whose-"that Millie's cup" "that mommy's cup".  And you are getting better at sharing with your little sister and your friends.  You do still take Ivy's things.  You don't really like her to have anything, whether it be her blanket or a toy.  We are working on the whole sharing thing, but you are getting better!  

You are very good at screaming!  When you don't get your way, you scream, and it is very very loud.  Sometimes it makes Ivy cry.  Your latest thing is to sit on the floor and say, "I'n want to do that." (I don't want to do that) 

Sometimes you put yourself in timeout.  "Millie timeout stairs."  Dad and I get a kick out of that.  And sometimes you put your babies in timeout.  When you get an owie or a bonk, kisses make it all better.  

Every morning or after your naps when Ivy and I come in to get you, you say in a very high pitched voice, "look who'd is!  Hi Ibee!"  Then you look her right in the eyes and give her kisses.  I love it, and hope that you are always that excited to see your sister.  You love to know where your little sister is.  If she doesn't come in with me to get you from your nap, you ask "where Iver's go?  Go see Ivers."  (usually Ivy's sleeping) I tell you that you need to whisper, and we can only go see her if you don't say anything.  You and I go in where her crib is and every single time you say "SEE!" in your high pitched voice.  It is just loud enough to cause Ivy to stir.  You grin a little and we run out of the room.  You love it!  

You love love love nursery.  You look forward to it every week.  You love your teacher, "Sharon", and talk about all your friends in nursery.

I could go on and on about everything I love about you.  (dad and me, both)  These two years have flown by way too fast.  

Millie, I hold you every day and wish that you would just stop growing and be your little two year old self for forever.  But I (we) have loved watching you grow and we love you!  Happy Birthday little miss!

{all photos taken by Heather Telford Photography}