Mia is two

Today Miss Mia turns two. How blessed we are to have her in our lives. She is so full of joy and energy and spunk. Sure, she's pretty good at putting on the shy, quiet persona in front of new people, but for the rest of us, she is loud, talkative, very brave, and quite a bit wild.

Let's take a little inventory here. At two years old...

...she says more words than I think a two year old should know. It would be quicker to make a list of words she doesn't know than to write every word in her vocabulary. She narrates our lives all day long and has earned the title "The Informer." Her most favorite word in the past couple of days is "Meself," used in every single situation in which you try to help her. 

...she loves her big sister and when she is not too busy wrecking her sister's toys, or pinching or biting her, she is doing her best to imitate everything Laci does. They are learning to play so well together, which makes for some of my favorite moments each day. 

...she is a little momma at heart. She almost always has a baby or two tucked under her arm and is an attentive momma who feeds, washes, and changes lots of "poopoo" diapers. 

...Cousin Harper might possibly be her most favorite person in the whole world. She loves to "help" take care of her and loves to give her hugs and kisses. Harper is just as in love with Mia, and I see a close friendship already forming. 

...she loves to "help."  A lot.  She helps switch laundry and empty the dishwasher, which is sweet. She also wants to help me use the bathroom, which is not as sweet. 

...she runs, jumps, and gallops like a horse. Is terrified of any animals she's not familiar with (so unlike Laci). And is completely unaware that she is two years younger than her sister. 

...she asks "Why?" a lot. Especially if she asks for something and I tell her no. 

...she is equal parts sweetheart and spitfire. She says "I love you" complete with hugs, kisses, and a pat on the shoulder. It will melt you. She is also a master at antagonizing her sister, stealing toys from other kids, and using violence to assert herself. Biting and pinching are her go-to defenses. She is also a master at running away when she knows she's been bad or doesn't want to get her diaper changed. 

...she is naked most of the time. At her own request. It saves on laundry. 

...she loves books and will try to read to herself when no one else will. She sings her " ABC's" and tries to count, though the letters and numbers come out in random order sometimes.

...she eats carrots like they are the last food on earth.

I could go on for days.  But I won't.

I wish I could bottle up her zest for life and drink it when I'm feeling less than amazing. She lives in the moment, as most kids her age do, and I get such joy each day watching her innocent, honest approach to life. She has a will and determination that I know will serve her well when she's older, even if it makes being her parent difficult at times. 

It is crazy to think what life would be like without her. Much quieter for sure. I have spent some time in the last week thinking back to when she was born. Not just how hard it was on her little body, but for Laci as well. Laci was just a few weeks shy of her second birthday when Mia was born. So young, still a baby, and her whole world was shaken up for a while. And here we are expecting another one in just a few months. Mia's little world will change for sure, though hopefully not in the dramatic fashion that Laci's did. I have a lot to think about when I let myself. 

In case it isn't obvious, I, we, love our Mia to pieces. I'm sure there's a briefer way to express how in love we are with her, but that just isn't my style. It's quite amazing how someone so little can make such a big mark on your heart in two short years. I can't wait to celebrate many more years with her in our lives. 

Happy birthday sweet girl!!

With so much love, Your momma, daddy, sister, and brother, too.