Where Have I Been?

Guess I've been guilty living life, twittering, facebooking to a lesser degree, going back to school, writing, studying, watching Mad Men, etc. etc.

But this was intended for Mina to have a look-back on her childhood years and get a sense of her accomplishments and milestones. Mommy's doing a poor job baby.

First, you're in the full throes of your terrible two's. You've yet to throw a full-blown tantrum, I think except once. But you'll say the sky isn't red if I say it is, and you'll say it is if I say it wasn't. You want everything opposite of what everyone else says, and you are very vocal about it. You have me tearing my hair out frankly...Where'd my sweet girl go?

As for actual milestones, you're either 2'9 or 2'11 as of right now. Two different measuring devices give me two different readings. You're 27.6 lbs. You're just growing taller and not gaining weight as fast...Mommy's a bit worried about that but you're in the normal range so I guess that's ok.

I start potty-training you tomorrow, with the help of the entire household (so I hope). Here goes nothing....

Mina Turns Two and I Brag

Hey if there's a time in a Mom's life she can brag about her child, it has to be around her child's birthday. I've mentioned before how adorable she is right? Right?

She is so charming, she charms the pants off people. In fact, I've had to make several trips to Levi's to buy myself and other people pants that she's charmed off, that's how charming she is.

She has the best eyes. Large and dark, and long-lashed.

She has the prettiest curls. I can literally stare at them for hours. I twirl the ends of her hair on my forefinger and they turn into little ringlets. Little ringlets that stay until she jumps up and down and bounces the heck out of them.

When she was 18 mos. old I found this article about gifted children (not that I was searching for articles like that, who me?). One of the traits of gifted children is apparently advanced vocabulary. By 18 mos. Mina was speaking in 2-3 word sentences. I mean, pretty advanced is what I thought. Apparently, a vocabulary list of 100 before age 2 is almost always a sign of giftedness. I stopped at 100 even though she knew even more words than that. I was tickled pink.

Now at almost two (Aug. 15th!) I can pretty much hold a conversation with Mina. We negotiate, she tells me stories, she tells me what she's thinking. It's pretty amazing.

We are having a little get-together with just family this Saturday for her official birthday. Next weekend we are going to Disneyland! I can't wait!

She starts preschool on Tuesday. Yes, preschool. This is one baby that is really craving for companionship and more challenge, and I hope preschool gives it to her. I feel really good about the idea of preschool right now, but a part of me can't believe she's already going.

My baby is growing up!

Mina, know that you are beloved, adored, and yes, even spoiled. We are proud of you. Most of all, know we are all trying to do our best by you.

Something to Post

I thought I would post something new here. What else can I say except more glowing things about you? You're a complete sunshine that overwhelms any grays that may descend on our household from time to time, and we all appreciate you for it.

You'll be two in a month, and I honestly can't believe it. I'm excited that you're growing up, but mourn the loss of my "baby". You'll always be my baby girl, and just get used to the idea, but I miss the baby babble, the chubbiness, the roundness, the creases in your arms from too much fat. I miss your wide-eyed helplessness and trust as you looked at me to just know what you needed, without you having to say anything. Now, you are very vocal, and clear in your speech to ever be misunderstood.

You'll be starting preschool next month. I decided to put you in preschool so early because you clearly love other kids, love to play and socialize, and I don't think you get enough of it. You have no cousins and, obviously, no siblings. You can follow commands pretty well, and are really good at sharing...I think you will love preschool. Since it's only 2 days a week, half days, it's a reasonable starting point. Anyway, I will miss you terribly. You will have to tell me everything you learn. :) Of course, it's about a mile from your Mama's place, so it's really more than ideal.

Terrible Twos

I was crossing my fingers that you won't go through the terrible twos but today you threw your very first full-blown tantrum.

And it didn't get any better tonight. Basically, you've got 3 adults scrambling to see what will calm you down. I think next time, we're just gonna have to ignore you.

You've been increasingly contrary this past week. Won't hold hands while walking, needing a specific fork or spoon when eating, wont' let us help you eat even when your food is falling all over the place, won't let us help you drink. No, no, no on everything. You're getting on my nerves but I still love you to pieces.

Hope this storm passes quickly. Love you, sweetie.

Daddy's Home

Dad's home for a few weeks before he's off to...gulp...Iraq. I'm going to enjoy our time together. That's what I'm gonna do. Then later, he'll be off to do the job that WE BOTH went into with our eyes wide open. Someone's gotta do it, and he will do it well, like he does everything.

I could hardly contain my excitment at the airport! Here's what Mina did when she saw her Dad. I think it's safe to say she remembers him.

The next day, he prepared breakfast for us. Here's Mina's plate. I love how he always emphasizes aesthetics when dining.

Here's the father and daughter duo playing! I love and have missed seeing this!

Woody at his favorite store: Teavana:


I have really missed going out as a family, sharing meals, watching movies and TV together, and just spending time all together. I feel complete.