Here’s to Two

I can’t believe you’re two. It seems like just yesterday I held you in my arms for the first time and stared into your big blue eyes. Now we’re here, on the brink of toddlerdom, with your babylike features giving way to a little boy. 

I have heard this stage is terrible, that there will be days when, despite how much I love you, I won’t like you very much. I’ve heard two will keep me on my toes and make me want to pull my hair out. 

But I’m here to make a pact with you, little one.

Let’s conquer two and embrace it with all its flaws and all its beauty. 

So here’s to two . . . 

Here’s to more belly laughs and dance parties.

Here’s to lovely moments in the midst of sassy ones.

Here’s to praying Alexa doesn’t recognize what you’re saying anytime soon or we’ll only be dancing to “I Like to Move It”. 

Here’s to more words and surprising us with your capacity to learn. 

Here’s to kisses, I love yous and hugs goodbye, hello, and just because. 

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Here’s to curiosity and exploration, to building trains, battling dinosaurs, and singing songs at the top of our lungs. 

Here’s to independence as you explore the world around you.

Here’s to the lessons you’ll begin to learn on your own. 

Here’s to holding tight to my hand because, while you want to move forward, you also need reassurance and guidance. 

Here’s to “just one more book” as you climb into my lap with five. 

Here’s to resets when needed and working to understand when rules and boundaries are set. 

Here’s to knowing it’s OK to cry, to be upset, scared or mad. But it’s better to talk through those feelings than to hit, bite or yell. 

Here’s to pulling you in when I’m frustrated because you’re not listening rather than shutting you out. 

Here’s to calm and quiet moments, as well as the loud, crazy, chaotic ones. 

Here’s to imagination, to believing you can be anything you want to be. 

Here’s to the wind in your hair as you run toward your next adventure. 

Here’s to enjoying the little things, like splashing in puddles, and the big things, like potty training or walking down the stairs all by yourself. 

Here’s to a whole new year of firsts, of admiration as you grow into your own person. 

Here’s to a whole lot of patience and a whole lot of grace as we ebb and flow together, mommy and son. 

Here’s to TWO . . . there may be terrible moments, but there will also be oh so sweet ones. After all, each of these moments has YOU. 

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