My final piece. 30 days out from two years old.
It's absolutely insane to me that throughout ten years of motherhood, I can still savor and relish each experience with each one of my specific children and simultaneously love and miss the moments I know that we won't get back with them. The moments that lead up to infants becoming toddlers and toddlers becoming two years old, three years old, and then preschool. I know Tatum still has quite a bit of time before we're waving goodbye and watching her tackle preschool, but I'm been here before... and this is the last time I'll be here in this space.
My darling Tatum girl. I feel like these last twenty-three months have been rapid, with a bit of chaos, some blur, and so much dang love --- somewhere in the mists grew this fantastic and larger-than-life personality, smiley, smart, and so, so expressive little girl. Months ago, you were more of a timid and shy tot and we thought we'd seen it all by way of personalities where our children were concerned... and then, I think almost inevitably (being that you are my daughter) we watched this assertive and far more vocal tot rise above and we haven't looked back since.
You are without a doubt the center of every single person's attention and adoration. Admittingly, I think that's the youngest baby territory for sure. You have made mommy 4/4 of the best-sleeping babies, ever! Sleeping throughout the night since forever, never really waking or stirring out of sleep, and going to bed and napping on schedule. Of course, we've had the rare occasions with sickness and molar cutting -- but other than a couple blips, you've been a dream. Of course, co-sleeping is still a go, as is nursing. I'm not sure what the end date will look like for you or for me. Some days I feel like I could FOR SURE be done with nursing but a larger part of me knows that this is your comfort... and honestly, once you have been weaned, that is it for mommy. I will have closed another chapter of my life. My motherhood.
Eating isn't something I obsess over anymore where you are concerned. We serve you your meals, your snacks, and fluids (just water for you babe), and you graze as you see fit. I'm okay with it and it works for us. Lately, you've been loving raw veggies -- cucumbers, peppers, and carrots. Fruits are pineapples, blackberries, and strawberries. You'll eat any kind of protein but I think your favorite is the beef variety. You've graduated from the toddler straw cups to using basically most cups that your older sibs use that include a straw. This transition happened without us really noticing.
You've been using the toddler potty when you feel inspired to do so -- no rush here but I'm proud of you for picking that up when you did. I'm constantly amazed by how receptive you are to the world around you (both outside and inside our home).
You are comfortably wearing 24-month clothing with some 18-month clothing still fitting pretty well (a true-to-size baby just like Miss Ava). You like to get yourself dressed most days and absolutely protest if we insist on helping. Even if that means two legs are in the same hole... you don't seem to mind that though.
You love the snow SO, so much, and watching the wonder you have whenever we are able to play in it is truly a magic moment. You've been mastering ASL signs for your age group more and more and I just adore that. You love having a conversation with us all we enjoy having them with you. Your interactive mind during playtime has become so much more vast. Always wanting to push a shopping cart, feed a baby, cook up a feast for the house, or shout nursery rhymes all around the house.
You are truly holding your own and making your mark within our family dynamic and I think it's one of my favorite parts of being a mom. The growth.
And you, my Tatum girl have grown SO so much and I am even more proud of you! I can't believe next month we will have a two year old.
Post a Comment