#50: 2-Year Letter to G

Dear G, 

While I am technically writing this two months after you turned twenty-four months, I figure better late than never. In your second year of life, you learned to walk, which quickly turned into incessant running. You especially enjoy pushing all-the-things (pop-pop, your pushcart, and even your pal Declan). You may have been late to the game on your feet, but your coordination and speed are impressive. Your hair has grown so much as well. You were still fairly bald when you turned one, and you loved your headband bows. But now your hair has the sweetest curls, and you enjoy rocking pigtail clip-in bows. In the winter you’d wake up and ask for “bows and socks.” 

You found your voice and so many words this year, too. Helicopter, hotdog, and narwal are a few of the funniest sounding words you would say. But your absolute favorite words were outside, go, and no. Your favorite place to be was outside. We spent so much time in the fresh air, regardless of the season or weather. We went for daily runs together, too. You’d ask to “run, run, run” and grab my sweat rag out of the drawer and find my running shoes and bring them to me. The “wa wa table,” your shopping cart, and any ball to kick. You ran in the Jeramiah’s Spring Leap a second year in a row and enjoyed every minute of the 5K. We placed 15th overall and 2nd in my age group. 

A favorite moment for dadda and I was giving you your bounce house while Pawpaw, Aunt Hailey, and Aunt Dakota were visiting. We love giving you an environment that brings you so much joy and freedom to explore and grow. Remember, life isn’t about the stuff; but investing in resources and experiences that add value to your life are worth every penny. You also really enjoy your "standy stand" and rocker. 

You went to the Dallas Aquarium with your cousin Jackson and loved the foliage more than the animals and fish. In fact, you go out of your way to hug any tree you see. At the Austin Zoo we saw SO MANY peacocks with flared feathers. You again preferred finding trees to hug than the lion and bear who were pacing inches from your face. You enjoyed your first tumbling class with Avery in March, learning how to do somersaults and running around wild and free.

You are a social butterfly and have the sweetest little friends in the neighborhood. You point out all their houses while on walks. You share very well and are typically so gentle. You actually bring me your toy phone to “plan playdates” and nod and say, “yeah yeah!” as I pretend to schedule them. You love playing independently, reading books, bubbles, and chalk. You are great at using all eating utensils and pouring into and drinking from an open cup.

Some of your favorite foods were yogurt smoothies, dadda’s lemon turmeric rice, and pineapple. Though, you go through waves of enjoying salmon, avocado, and red sauce. Any time you see dadda or I with a drink that isn’t water you want to do a family cheer and your word for “cheers” sounds so cute and funny. 

You showed many signs of capability to potty train ahead of turning 2, and you rocked that process. Just like breastfeeding, you had no problem going 100% diaper-free for day and night. I remember feeling a pang of sadness that I wouldn’t see your little diaper butt ever again, but reminded myself that we will experience so many firsts and lasts together over the course of our lives. I am grateful to be beside you in transitions and my heart is full from getting to be connected to you in life. I could choose to dwell in the sadness but instead focus on appreciating the preciousness of this present.  

In each letter I include a poem you’ve inspired me to write. I wrote this one when you were around 18 months old. 

Within
But do you know what happens in me, 
When you laugh, wiggle, and are wild and free?


Even when you cry or put up a fight, 
I simply see your dynamic power and might. 

A day doesn’t pass without abundant joy, 
The world around you is one giant toy. 

A present reminder to keep to the moment.
So later in life I'm not resigned to atonement. 

I’m here with you, where you are today.
As you navigate each stage in your own way. 

But do you know what happens in me, 
As I see the unique person you’re coming to be? 

I cannot define it or even begin.
But I hope, my dear child, you feel it within.

Love,
Mama 

P.S. It's fun to sign with the name you actually call me.