The Passineau Family: Pittsburgh Edition: Happy 2nd Birthday

Monday, March 5, 2012

Happy 2nd Birthday

Jessica turned 2 on March 4th. Can't believe I have a 2 year old child! Whew, what a whirlwind this last year has been for me & for our family. Jessica has changed so much since her 1st birthday & it's hard to believe the developmental progress she has made in just 1 year and especially since we brought home our sweet little bundle. What I love so far about having a 2 year old is the funny little 2 or 3 word sentences she says & how she is a little mocking bird. Her latest 3 word sentence is "more milk please", which sounds like--mo milk peas. What I don't love so much is the tantrums & whining.....uggh, there are days where I feel like she's in time out more than she is downstairs with me & Ella. Our life has changed so much since we brought Jessie home from the hospital in 2010, we didn't even know how much it would change, but I can honestly say that our life is also so much richer because of Jessie (& Ella, of course, too). Another thing I really enjoy so much about this phase with Jessica is getting to see her learn new things about her world & I also truly enjoy teaching her things. The simple things in life really do make her happy--a balloon, a cookie, or a stuffed kitty are all just great in her opinion. A surprise or reward for good behavior is always a great way to get a smile out of her. MoMo, as you all probably know, is still her best friend & she must have him in order to sleep. We are still working on her pacifier habit (I know, of all people, I should have already gotten rid of the paci, but it's hard & we do limit it to only naps/bedtime). Potty training is coming along, as are her table manners. She does consistently say please, but thank you is harder for her. She would live on fruit if I let her. Just in the last week or so she has started to be able to peddle her little tricycle...so very big! She loves, loves books & will sit for hours on end (if we hold out) listening to stories or being quizzed on words that she has learned. Her favorite color is red & loves to wear tutus, even with pants or a footed sleeper on underneath. Jessica has taught me that parenting truly is the hardest job, but also the most rewarding. Before her, I had no idea how much life & my perspective would change, but after her I have a different set of goals & desires. She has taught me that my home doesn't have to be perfect (neither does my makeup), that mac & cheese is a delicious lunch, dinner, or even breakfast option, and that slowing down to have fun isn't a bad thing. I am incredibly grateful to have Jessica as my daughter, I'm sure she will continue to teach me more as we figure out this parenting thing along the way. Enjoy a look back at some of my favorite pics from the last 2 years.