Mia Gianna: 2 1/2

First time on skis

Dear Gianna,
Today you are 2 1/2 years old.  You have grown a lot in these past 6 months.  You've learned a lot of things and changed in many ways. Many of these things I simply will not remember.  Here are a few things that I know about you today:

You (still)  love to eat.  You are (still) a big meat eater.  You love to eat steak, sausage, and bacon.  You love olives, pickles and cheese.  You have recently started eating toast and toasted English muffins.  Sometimes you bite off more than you can eat, and you simply gag and spit the food out on the table. This is something that you've done (and I've not discouraged) since you were a baby.  I think we are going to have to start working on this 'gag reflex' of yours and improve your table manners asap!  You also are very keen to eat what is on everyone else's plate.  You have no qualms about taking whatever food appeals to you off of someone else's plate. Occasionally, you will smile and ask, "Can I eat yours?" It is hard to say "no" to your sweet smiling face.  

You love to employ silly phrases in your conversations.  You will say, "No way, Jose!"  "One minute, por favor," and "See you later, alligator."

You love baby dolls. Your beloved "Hop-hop" is now called "Mommy" and s/he watches over your babies while you sleep.

You love Bode so much.  And he loves you. You two are best friends, built-in playmates.

You love the color pink, and picking out your own clothes (and won't choose anything that doesn't have some pink on it).  You love it when you get something new to wear.

You have not given up your beloved ba-ba.  And I have not done much to discourage this bottle use.    On the other hand, you've shown a lot of interest in potty training. You love going to the potty (on your time) and wearing underwear.  Soon, soon we will begin the work before us, Gianna. 

You like to listen to music in the car.  As a precursor to your teenage years, you will often whine from the backseat, "I can't hear it!" and you'll continue to say "I can't hear it!" until we actually turn up the volume for you.

Today, you skied for the first time.  Daddy put you on skis and you just took off. You walked awhile before falling.  And when you fell, you did not cry.  You simply tried to get up, and when you could not get up with the skis, you waited for Daddy to come help you. I think that this illustrates your personality right now perfectly. You love trying new things and you are always up for fun. And when things don't work out well,  you simply get up and move on. 

Tonight, when we were reading bedtime stories, Daddy announced that you were now officially 2 1/2, and we all said, "Happy 2 1/2, Gianna!"  You smiled and said, "Happy 2 1/2 to meeee!" 

Happy 2 1/2 to you indeed.

love,

Mommy

xo