She's two.

 

The littlest lady rang in her second year of life with an early morning trip to Bloom bakery for donuts followed by a play date on the train tracks of Middleton with pals.  As I recall the morning in its sweet and simple perfection, I believe it represents our third born's personality and preferences well.  She is equal parts sugar and spice, observer and risk taker, craving the comfort of mom's arms and the freedom to explore. 

 

 

I see in her the desire to confidently embrace all things that come her way independently. She can often be found "mending" her own wounds, pulling chairs up to the sink to wash...anything, battling pant legs in an effort to dress herself, strapping on shoes and subsequently throwing them across the floor because they are "too tight" or "not working," taking any toothbrush she can find to brush her own teeth, standing at the refrigerator holding cups up to the water dispenser willing her cup to be refilled, running after her siblings determined to participate in any and every activity they are doing. 

 

 

I see in her a gal who loves to celebrate.  She is enthusiastic, boisterous, comical, and charming.  She loves an engaging conversation and becomes quite animated at the dinner table, working hard to add to the discussion, hands flapping, eyes bright.  She comes alive when music is played, preferring a beat that is loud and thumping.  She is quick to request favorite songs, shouting out her preferences from the back of the van, testing the limits of her five-point harness when a particular beat catches her fancy.  Her movements are rhythmic from the way she prances around on tiptoe to the way her tiny body sways when Led Zeppelin is played.

 

I cannot say that her being two is without its challenges, so many of her strengths right now testing my limits as a mother, her determination, tenacity, and constant activity keeping me humble.  She is a daily reminder that in my weakness, He is strong, that His mercies are new every morning. 

 

I'm so grateful for this little firecracker, bright and beautiful. May I always appreciate her colorful display.

 

"Colorful"
by Rocco Deluca

You swim like you're on fire
Live like your last day
Drink like it's water
There's no tomorrow
And you think no one can hear you
Raise your hands to be called on
You know all the answers

You're the most colorful thing that I've seen
You're the most colorful thing that I've seen
You're the most colorful thing that I've seen

You dance like no one's watching
Sing 'till the song ends
Then you sing some more
And we can hardly believe it
Words that flow from your mouth
Drink like it's water

You're the most colorful thing that I've seen
You're the most beautiful thing that I've seen
You're the most colorful thing that I've seen

You are an enigma walking
Make no excuses for the way that you carry on
And we can hardly believe it
The words that flow from your mouth
Drink like it's water, girl

You're the most colorful thing that I've seen
You're the most beautiful thing that I've seen