My Sweet Caroline…Happy Birthday! You Are Two Years Old

Dear Caroline,
Today is the day I’ve actually been dreading for a few weeks now. You’re officially two years old, and when someone asks you how old you are, you look at them with that adorable little smirk and say “two” in that high-pitched voice that melts my heart. This past year has been an absolute whirlwind filled with so much joy and happiness that I could burst just talking about you baby girl, but you will ALWAYS be my sweet little baby Caroline… don’t ever forget that.

 I cannot, for the life of me, fathom that you have been in our worlds for two whole years, because now I can’t remember what life was like before you were in it. Much less fun, I can assure you of that.
I wanted to take a few minutes today to talk about some special moments, fun milestones, and make sure I capture all these exciting tidbits and details of your sweet little self. These fleeting moments are passing me by and writing it all down is SO important so that you can read this for yourself one day.

Let’s Talk About It. First of all, rarely is there a moment when you’re not talking, babbling, and carrying on a conversation…whether that be with someone else OR yourself. You’ve got the gift of gab CC. Everyday your vocabulary grows and it amazes me how quickly you catch on to different words, phrases, questions, and anything in between. Favorite things you say these days include “Oh No”, “No No Sister”, “I Love You Momma”, “Hug”, “School” “Hold Milk”, “Please”, “Thank You”, “Color”, “Airplane”, “My Phone”, and then other sayings and sentiments I think only I have the ability to interpret. You also LOVE to sing…lullabies (Twinkle Twinkle), nursery rhymes (Row Row Row Your Boat), Happy Birthday…you name it and you love to sing. At night, sometimes you’ll help me sing some of your favorite songs when we are rocking in your chair, and I can’t even put into words how absolutely incredible that feels. It’s one of the best sounds I’ve ever heard. Your teachers at school report that you’re always talking, always a little social butterfly (that’s my girl), and that you’re extremely kindhearted and always willing to share with your classmates. Sometimes, I might pop my head in before I come to pick you up so I can see you in action and I know I’m the cheesy one who gets a tad bit emotional from experiencing all these firsts in your life…I thank God everyday for it, too.

I Like to Eat. Days go by when you’re a garbage disposal and you’re eating everything in sight, and then the next day you want nothing to do with that specific food. I’ve said it before, and I will say it again…toddlers are strange little creatures and you’re no exception to that rule Miss Caroline. I am constantly trying to expand your horizons about food and trying to make you less of a picky eater, but you still like to stick to the things you know rather than try new foods. You’re now obsessed with any kind of sauce out there (Pappy and Aunt Meg are so proud), especially ranch…most know how I feel about white sauce so I am hoping this is just a phase–haha. Other favorites include the old faithful hot dogs, PB sandwiches (no jelly), mac & cheese, any kind of pasta with meat sauce, pot roast, bread, turkey sausage, blueberries, stove top chicken, bananas, cuties, cucumbers, carrots, pouches, yogurt melts, smoothies, cheese, crackers, and Skittles. Yes, you love Skittles and those are our “go-to” treat as we’re starting the potty training process this week. Should be LOADS of fun, right?? 😉

 Activities, My Little Fashionista, and Keeping Us On Our Toes. You have so much energy that sometimes it’s hard for me to keep up. You run everywhere now and hearing those tiny pitter patter of feet sounds across the house makes me smile because you’re so independent and love doing your own thing. You are still an outdoors tot and will do anything to get outside. Thank heavens the weather is on the warm up because you love stroller and tricycle rides as well as sitting on the front porch and playing in the backyard.
Other daily activities that keep you occupied include playing in your ball pit coloring, working on your letters, watching Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and Doc McStuffins, playing your various musical instruments (the dog guitar is by far you’re favorite), dancing to music, and helping make a mess in every room possible.
In terms of wearables, you’re extremely opinionated about what you wear and when. You help pick out your yummies each night before bed, and morning dress routine can sometimes be quite amusing because you’re so picky. Let’s just say we’ve been letting you do your own thing on certain days, which mean you’ll show up in purple pants, a red shirt, and a brown bow…maybe you’re just ahead of the trends, babydoll.

 A Little Friend for Life. This past year has seen its fair share of changes, especially since you became a big sister last June. It is the most amazing feeling in the world to see you interact with your baby sister Carson and I am thrilled you will have a built-in best friend for life in her. She LOVES to be anywhere around you and is always crawling after you trying to catch up. Now that she is on the move, I know it’s only going to get better. Thank you for being such a sweet, kind sister Caroline. You share more with her than I ever thought possible, though sometimes you like her to know you still rule the roost around here.

This has been such an amazing year Tuttie and I have so many more cherished moments that I will save for a special day, just between me and you. I hope you know just how much your daddy and I love you as well as your family that just love to spend their free time with their CC. You are an absolute delight of a child and God was kind enough to let me be your mom. Big things are in store for you baby, and know I am here for you always. I love you Caroline Cate!! Happy Birthday my little lucky charm.