I’m already bracing myself for next month…the BIG 2! We’ve tried to prepare Hayden for the upcoming milestone: teaching her to hold up two fingers, having her answer the question “how old are you?” with the new number, allowing her to eat more cake (hard to say no when we are constantly stuffing it in our own faces), and of course reminding her that “big girls” who are 2 do NOT throw screaming tantrums on the floor (they obviously express their displeasure in a mature, calm manner and then accept their parents’ wishes respectfully.)
This past year between one and two has been SO MUCH FUN and so challenging. Hayden is talkin’ up a storm. In the car she will say, “mommy talk, daddy talk, ME talk” in an attempt to bring the attention back to herself when Bryan and I are grown up chatting. She is using 4-5 word sentences and her articulation gets better everyday. Her ability to communicate has made for some very funny conversations. (note to self…start recording those.)
She is very good with the baby…still calls her baby most of the time…and enjoys having her picture made with her. Hayden still loves her Curious George doll and her rainbow blankie. She is an absolute sponge when it comes to learning. (the following isn’t bragging…just a totally detached statement of facts for the grandparents information) Hayden can identify and say all of her primary colors as well as “khaki” and “gray”, she can identify six different shapes and tell you some of their names, she can tell you which thing is bigger or smaller, she can complete all of her wooden puzzles independently, and can count to ten (though often forgets seven…God’s favorite). She loves to tell you about animals and what they say as well as what they eat.
Hayden has become more timid lately. It’s like she realizes there are things that might cause her harm and she needs to check with us to make sure things are still good. She often asks us, “that won’t hurt me?”…mostly regarding things like birds or the vacuum cleaner. Bryan says she gets it from him as he was more hesitant to try new things as a kid. As I picture her going to jr. high I’m thinking this might not be a bad thing…
Hayden truly lights up every day for us. Bryan just told me last night how much he loves it when she bounces into a room with a cheery, “hi Daddy!” and bounces off. There are definitely still times when we are glad God made her so cute…you know, for the times when nothing else keeps you from driving her to the firehouse and dropping her off. (repetitive screams of “NO” when asked to do something, refusal to eat what she happily ate the day before, throwing the ball--while looking at you from the corner of her eye--after you told her not to…) But for the most part she is such a joy and we are so very blessed!
Lord, thank you for blessing us with Hayden! Please prepare us for what the next year will bring!!!
(FYI-though safe haven laws in Texas protect parents who leave their abandoned children with police, firefighters or doctors I was totally kidding about the firehouse…mostly)
