Beatrice at 2 Years, 4 Months

Dear Beatrice,

Today you are two years and four months old.

This last month has been less about me, and more about your father. You've been attached to him at the hip, let's say. Everywhere he goes, you want to go, and the words I heard most from you this month are "I go with daddy." It was neverending, almost to the point where I wanted to say "pay attention to me! I'm your mother!" I never did, though, because I just couldn't.


I went away for a few days for work this month. And because it has been a big daddy month for you, I didn't really think that you would miss me. I spoke to you on the phone, but you didn't seem too interested, only telling me what you were doing that moment and that you loved me. It was nice to hear your voice and I wanted to run home to you and hold you in my arms. But, I couldn't. When I did come home, I decided to surprise you by picking you up at daycare. It had been a few days since we had seen each other. I wasn't expecting much when I got there, but I don't think I have ever seen you so happy to see me ever. You were so happy, came running to me, gave me kisses and hugs, then proceeded to tell me all this stuff you had done. You wouldn't leave my side. And you didn't for a few days after. Your father said you were confused about me not being around, but I have to say that I enjoyed the welcome home more than anything.


You've become a big singer over the last few months. You pretty much know all of the words to a number of songs. So, if you start singing one and finish it, you will jump right into another. It's really cute. You say "yeah!" after every one, and you always get an applause. The song you sing the most is "Happy Birthday", and whenever I ask you who's birthday it is, you always say that it is Olivia's. I swear, your sister has had so many birthdays that you think she would be older than me! In any case, when I took you to daycare yesterday, I could tell you didn't want me to leave. So, the moment we got inside you started singing the itsy bitsy spider. Then ABCs. Then twinkle, twinkle little star. Then happy birthday. Then you started all over again. I had to sneak out, but I swear I could have sat there all day and listened to you sing the day away.


You're talking more and more in full sentences. Last night one of your father's friends came over and you starting talking to him, and his reaction was that he couldn't believe you were saying sentences now. You're still just this little person, and to hear you talking like an adult, albeit small words but in long sentences, is pretty amazing. I look at you now and think that you are so much like a little girl. Where did all the time go?


You continue to grow. You continue to learn. You continue to amaze me each and every day. I love you, Bea.

Love,
Mama