Dear Jillian,
It is hard to believe that it is already time to start planning for your second birthday. It seems like such a short time has passed since I saw that first positive pregnancy test. And now you have already been in our lives for not one but two years. The acceleration of time that has occurred since your birth is downright frightening.
That is not to say that this whole parenthood thing has been easy. On the contrary, I often find myself thinking that you have been sent into my life to develop my much lacking patience with your increasing independence. You certainly think that you are the boss of all of us these days with your constant orders to me, your dad, your sister and especially the dog. Just yesterday you brought the TV remote to me and commanded, "Elmo, Elmo" and cried when I left it on Hoarders. It isn't that I don't love you sweetheart. I really do. I just can't stand to watch that annoying red monster and his idiot friend Mr. Noodle over and over again.
I must admit that there are days I fear you will turn into the most ill-behaved demon child to walk this earth. This is not to say that I think you are bad. It is just that you have so much personality and so much energy that I really must limit my battles with you to pinching, biting, hitting and maintaining a bedtime that keeps me sane and you reasonably well rested. So when we stayed in a hotel the other night I let you jump from bed to bed (and yeah maybe you bonked your head). And it does seem like you spend more time in Hayden's swing and bouncy seat than she does. And I pretty much ignore your ear piercing screams, because really you might have a future in horror movies someday given the pitches your voice is capable of reaching. And it seems that nearly every day I wind up ignoring at least one all-out twenty minute long temper tantrum caused by reasons completely unknown to me. Can we just agree to disagree sometimes my dear Jillian?
Luckily for you, it is universally agreed that you are one of the most adorable toddlers in the universe. Which means you can get away with a lot. Plus you are extremely social and meet everybody you see with a "hi", "bye" and best of all "thank you". Everywhere we go I am told how sweet you are. And when I respond "try living with her" all I receive are skeptical looks.
But if I am to be serious for a moment, no matter how trying the tantrums and crying can be, you are completely worth it. The hugs, smiles and cuddles I get from you make me smile from head to toe even on the worst of days. Your exuberant personality is encompassing. I just try to remind myself that all the traits will lead you to become a strong and independent woman down the road. Obstinance will develop into persistence. The "no's" and "stops" will become firm opinions.
In the meantime I will keep watching you learn. Whether it is making our first batch of cookies together (your "tank you's" whenever I let you pour a cup of something in the bowl were adorable) or reading book after book after book or singing "itsy, bitsy spider" for the millionth time, it is so exciting to watch you grow and see your face light up with excitement. You and your sister and your daddy are and will always be the best things that ever happened to me.
Love,
Mom
9 comments:
Beautiful! A strong willed child is difficult- my echo letter is a mere 6 months behind!- but oh so worth it!
She really is an adorable little doll- and as hard s these strong willed & big personalitied toddlers are... it is never boring & usually fun as hell!
Here's to 2 wonderful years & many many more great stories!
Hi, Jen,
I really want you to know that I appreciate you weighing in on my sister's pregnancy. This other post explains a little better what the root of my issue with my sister is.
http://takingthestatisticalbullet.blogspot.com/2010/08/how-do-you-feel-about-that.html
Also, anytime someone makes a reference (even if joking) to purposefully terminate a pregnancy, I have to admit, it bothers me. It might not be the most reasonable response, but after losing so many babies, I just can't bear it when someone takes pregnancy and a baby's life so lightly.
And to Jillian, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! She is pretty precious and everything you mentioned sounds very normal and very toddler! Congratulations to you and your husband on a job well done!
Priceless!! I swear you and I must have the same daughter because I could have written this too:) What an awesome letter to Miss J. I cannot believe she is almost 2!! 2 for the love of God!!?? That bfp seems like last week.
Glad you liked the smore cookies!! They didn't last long around here:)
:D
Such a beautiful post! Toddlers are definitely trying but so much fun too. :)
She is such a cutie!! I can't imagine how exhuasted you must be, she wore me out after just a couple of hours. And I have three small boys!! lol Just watch, she'll be talking away before you know. It seemed like one day Bean knew 10 words, then suddenly we were discussing the theory of relativity with him. And then you'll look back on her non-talking days with longing. ;)
The toddlers with big personalities are the BEST! Love it.
Okay...I'm crying. Not fair. It's the hormones.
Kate is exactly the same way, but without the thank-you's or the snuggles. SO much personality and always going, going, going. AND she's only one! I know this next year is going to try my patience to the core. But, yes, it's worth it.
Sniff. Sniff.
What a beautiful post Jen. You've got two gorgeous girls and your hands!
Post a Comment