2 Years Old

How have 2 years gone by so quickly? It seems like yesterday I was in my friend Erica's prenatal fitness class, talking to my friends about what it was going to be like once we had our babies. Now those babies are two, and well, no longer babies any more. Bittersweet.

Leila and I have spent the last few days watching all of our videos of her since she was born. She loves to watch "Baby Aya" on the screen and thinks the noises the baby makes are hilarious. Which they are. Gone are the chubby cheeks, the downy dark hair. Gone are the chubby thighs and silly cooing sounds. The little girl that has taken her place is tall, has curly blonde hair, is quite silly and loving, and most definitely opinionated.

Patrick and I were taken aback on Sunday when Leila said--completely unprompted-- "I love you Daddy. I love you Mama." We just looked at each other--where did that come from? I don't know if he teared up, but I sure did. I don't even know if she fully understands what it means, but it sure was sweet.

A little about Leila at age 2:

• She is the ultimate girly-girly: wears her hair up, carries a purse ,wears jewelry, has her toenails painted, loves shoes
• Favorite color is yellow
• Knows her ABCs and can count to 12, though only when she wants to
• Current lovey is pink puppy, aptly named "puppy"
• Loves dogs (and cats, much to her father's chagrin)
• Favorite food is pizza (or so she says)
• Wants to characterize everyone as "boy" or "girl," including her stuffed animals
• Likes to watch Elmo, Baby Einstein with signs, and choice Disney movies
• Has a fierce sense of independence
• Is still v. attached to "pink paci" (this is not going to be a fun battle)
• Current favorite books are Winnie the Pooh stories, and The Three Bears
• Has an amazing memory and is able to make connections that surprise me for her age
• Is quite crafty at delaying bed time: "Milk! Story! Kiss!"
  

What an incredible journey this is. We love you LeilaBug! You amaze us every day.