"Terrible twos" is a phrase that should be stricken from the parental handbook that they dole out on a toddler's second birthday. It is such a negative perspective on the season to come and thankfully, in your case, wholly inaccurate.
The twos have been a blast and you surprise me each day. I find it fascinating to hear the first thing a child says when they meet someone new or see someone after a long period of time (like a day). "Look at my high socks" is a common greeting of yours and strangely, the recipient isn't always as impressed as you would expect. I love watching you walk into a room like you own the place and inserting yourself into conversations or games, regardless of the ages of those involved. You are so bold and brave when navigating new things, whether its climbing on the playground or meeting someone new. "He'll never lack in confidence" a friend told me yesterday as you loudly and proudly announced yourself into the Tar Heel starting lineup....and I hope she's right. You have the rest of your life to be cut down by the world but for now, nothing can touch you.
You play so hard, but you know your limits. (I still laugh when I hear you say, "Mommy, I need to take a break). You have an aggressive streak and like to play rough with your friends, but with some of your more timid girlfriends, you'll put your hand on the small of their back and guide them around (I'll never know where you got this from).
Your emotional intelligence is high ("Mommy, are you frustrated?") and I have to temper my anger because although you are tough as nails on the outside, you are a sensitive kid on the inside. You truly care about people; you want to know why people are sad, and you rejoice when someone's tears are finally wiped away ("Mommy, they're happy!"). You have more friends than many adults could hope to have in their lifetime and I hope you continue to treat your friends with as much kindness as you have shown the past year.
You adore your brother, and the feeling is mutual. He was going to be a part of our family whether you liked it or not, but from the beginning, you made the transition much smoother. You've always had a hair fetish and you rub Jackson's head like he's your own personal Buddha. Even when you get frustrated with Jackson for taking a toy, knocking something over, or clawing at your face, you show a great amount of patience. He's lucky to have a big brother like you.
You're only three, but you've taught me a lot this past year. You've taught me patience, like when you insist on getting in the car seat by yourself without concern that its raining out and your brother is screaming, and a car is waiting for my parking space. You've taught me compassion, like when you insist on kissing my knocked knee or banged head, even if I insist that I am ok. You've taught me humility, like the last time you had a messy accident in your pants, on a day you just happened to be missing your underwear. You've taught me to forgive and shown me how to do it quicker, a without holding on to a grudge. Above all, you've taught me about unconditional love, how to give it and how to receive it. You've made it easy to do both.
Seeing life from your eyes has brought a new twinkle to mine. Happy birthday to the boy who is always willing to share, even his first bite of birthday cupcake. That is love.
And I love you more.
Love,
Mom
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