Bits and pieces

Hey there little one,

Today, I watched as you spent the last day of your second year is blissful ignorance of the milestone you will reach tomorrow as a 2 year old.

I watched as you reveled in the joy that only your weekly music classes can bring to you. You were dancing like no one was watching. You were participating in everything, unlike the apprehensive you from before. You left music class at the end and asked to go back for more. Your enthusiasm warms my heart, knowing you are enjoying yourself and experiencing life in a joyful way.

I watched as you pushed the child-sized trolley at the supermarket and navigate the aisles, knowing by heart where to look for the salad leaves and carrots and everything else. You were taking it all in - the fruits and vegetables, the colours, the words, the people. You truly enjoyed the privilege of helping mummy at the self-sere checkouts, placing items on the scale and looking for pictures of each item on the screen so that we could pay for them. I watched as you said hi to everyone you met. I watched as you gave the regular cleaner guy we meet high-fives and shy smiles. Your love for being a part of simple everyday life makes me proud.

I watched as you ate your meals all by yourself and for a moment, I thought back to the days of you being an infant and I can't help but marvel at how far you've come.

I watched as you went to see the maternal and child health nurse today for your 2 year old wellness check, where you were completely comfortable in the new environment, making yourself at home with the toys available while mummy talked to the nurse. I sat back and let you interact with the nurse on your own and you totally held your own. My heart swelled with pride when she genuinely said that you seemed like such a delightful little boy and she's never met a 2 year old as cooperative as you. I'll have to agree with that.

I watched as you helped mummy wherever you could, without a second thought. Shutting all the room doors before I started cooking, getting all the laundry out of the machine after it was done, packing up your toys, cleaning up your spills, and more. I love that about you, how you are mummy's little helper and you enjoy your role as such.

I watch and listen as you learn new words, organize new sentences, figure out new concepts, and even when you stood and watched a fluttering butterfly for the very first time. Not the first time you've seen a butterfly, but certainly the first that you've really paid attention to.

I try to take in as much of the little bits and pieces that make up life with you everyday as possible, because it's the best part of being your mummy.

Tomorrow you turn 2 officially. 2 years of joy, laughter, love, cuddles, frustration, and so much more. You are growing up so fast and as much as I want to hold on to your babyhood for as long as I can, I truly am blessed to be able to witness and be a part of your growth. Your growth into a little boy who is full of spunk, intelligence, joy, and sensitivity. I've spent the last 2 years in the best job in the world, so thanks for hiring me as your mummy.

We love you. So much, so hard, so completely. You are our little boy and you hold a piece of our hearts in your hands no matter how old you may be. Remember that.