And Just Like That, You Are Two

And just like that, you are two. And just like that, I was completely unprepared for it. You have been two for a whole week now and I still can’t believe it.

I know every mother says this every time her child has a birthday, but how did you get so big?? I’m sure it was only last week I gave birth to a 10lb baby after 3 days in labour and a emergency c-section?

The first year went super quick, but it was so much fun being on maternity leave with you. We suffered sleepless nights, sore nipples, constant feeding and a c-section recovery. But we also enjoyed a great breastfeeding journey, snuggles, babywearing, weaning, and all your “firsts”.  We celebrated your first birthday with a teddy bears picnic and a superhero cake smash, and then Mummy returned to work full time.

This second year has been hard, mainly because of the return to work. But we’ve got through it and you’ve learnt so much being at nursery. You’re now walking – or more accurately, running rings around us! Gone are those unsteady steps, and you’re now tearing around the place, jumping, climbing, running and generally not stopping from the moment you get up to the moment you go to bed.

Your speech is coming on amazingly – it’s one thing I’m really proud of and I do have nursery to thank for a lot of it. You seem to learn a new word every day and I’m continually amazed when you can repeat back almost any word you hear. You know all the names of your family, numerous aunties, uncles and cousins. You can name your nursery workers and nursery friends.  You can tell me the different animals you see on the farm, or at the zoo, and the noises they make (your elephant impression is amazing!) You can count to 10 on your own! You are just starting to learn your colours and shapes, and taking a real interest in reading together. You love to sing and quite often will sing me songs you learn at nursery with all the actions too. Your colouring is getting better and you’re starting to show signs of being left handed like your Mama!

Your appetite is brilliant, and you love trying new foods – there’s not much you won’t eat. You’re always trying new things, and are fiercely independent ( but occasionally need the reassurance of Mummy).

I sometimes regret how much I’ve missed by goimg back to work full time, but the time we do spend together is filled with joy.

You really are just the most amazing little boy, Alfie. You’ve made our lives what they are today and I wouldn’t change a thing. Even when you’re having a tantrum (hello, terrible 2’s!) you still make me laugh and I’d forgive you anything (even when you practice your drawing on my new walls…).

So here’s to the next year. I don’t know what to expect (apart from lots of tantrums!) But I sure am looking forward to it!

Happy 2nd Birthday Alfie Bear. We love you lots and lots xx