Bye-bye Baby. Hello Toddler

I only wore jeans for the baby shower and immediately changed back into shorts when it was done: it was over 100 out.

To my Lil Diva on her 2nd birthday:

You almost didn’t happen
But I wanted you so bad.
I wouldn’t let something like a stomach virus
Come between me and your Dad.

I waited patiently
For nine months to slowly pass.
My stomach grew larger
And I learned you were a lass.

Summer tried to kill me
As I waddled to places of play.
Your brother was an active 2 year old and it was
100+ degrees each day.

A week of false labor
And I thought I’d go insane.
“Just break my water like your brother,
Stop this contraction timing bane!”

At last I had you in my arms,
On your forehead a little kiss
A check mark versus your brother’s “vee”
Was impossible to miss.

Nothing compares to the first few moments together.

We confused day with night,
We had some issues feeding,
But until the teething began
You gave me sleep I was needing.

I watched the instant love
Between you and your brother
The complete adoration
For him and no other.

Lil Diva loves her Daddy time.

Don’t forget your Daddy
He’s wrapped around your finger.
And Auntie Bob’s the only one
You didn’t scream at as a singer.

If I sang to Lil Diva, she’d cry. Same if CG did it. Only Bobbi could sing and not get the baby equivalent of “Boo! Your singing hurts my ears.”

I watched you grow so fast
Warp speed and way too quick.
I watched your personality form
And wished your skull more thick.

They grow so quickly.

You had no fear of heights
No fear of being hurt.
The hard tile floor would not defeat you
Gravity and you would flirt.

Can you tell she started teething?

When you made a choice
To learn a new trick
Standing, crawling, walking, anything.
You worked to make it stick.

Her expressions have never failed to make me laugh.

You do not have a problem,
Of making your wishes known.
I’m so glad you can say the words,
“Mommy, I want phone.”

Lil Diva was an instant fan of cake. And cats.

“No!” was learned early
And you used it well
Refusing food made just for you.
Yesterday? You found it swell.

Lil Diva hits “the pointing” phase.

In between the teething,
The darling girl came out
Capable of charming complete strangers
With a smile, a twinkle, and a shout.

The power just grows stronger
Each and every day
You thrive on the attention
Bringing joy during your play.

Toddler drama has crept in…

For what you do not know
You look to your brother.
You study, mimic, and learn from him
Instead of your mother.

Irony: the sweetest moments often came when The Tackler was IN a time out for being mean to her.

He’s taught you to be strong
A gentle Tackler he is not.
Forgiveness is given every time,
As I help wipe off the snot.

You do not forget
The lessons he has taught.
Your wrap him in your arms,
Take him down before you’re caught.

Catch phrases and sayings
Are also learned from him.
You follow him for everything
You determination doesn’t dim.

Too short? Too young? Not strong enough?
It simply doesn’t matter.
You demand I help bridge the gap
Ensuring you don’t splatter.

There’s so much more I want to say
Like how you fill my heart.
I live for the greetings you give to me
After we have been apart.

The run with glee. The tackling hug.
The command to lift you high.
The drooling kisses, the happy face.
The snuggles with a sigh.

A part of me has the wish
To freeze you just this way.
To avoid the tweens and older drama
To make sure these cuddles stay.

The other part, it knows I can’t,
That each day brings new joy.
I cannot wait to see you thrive
And create your latest ploy.

Because you are my daughter
In too many ways to write on here.
Your strength, your heart, your stubborn will.
Your brazen lack of fear.

Today marks the end,
Of my baby girl.
You’re two years old, a toddler now.
Each day you are a whirl.

I’m sure “The Terrible Number” is coming
Whether age two or three or ten.
Just keep your smile and giving me hugs,
And I’ll try not to mother hen.

Spread your wings. Grow my dear.
I’ll be here if you fall.
Just know I love you: always and forever.
All you have to do is call.

Happy 2nd birthday, Lil Diva!

(Updated photo taken today, during the 2.6 seconds she left an accessory in her hair.)

She left the bow in her hair for a record 2.6 seconds….