Help Me

Ever since the day I asked my daughter if she wanted to help me in the kitchen she’s been saying ‘help me?’ each time we go to cook. She pushes her little stool up to the counter and off we go. Washing lettuce; moving chopped veggies into a bowl; mixing; and this weekend we let her have a stab (no pun intended) at using a knife (of course while we were helping too). There’s only one other thing she loves more than cooking; and that’s eating!

Bon appetit!

Happy Birthday!

At two-years-old, I want to remember you celebrated with two parties – one with your friends and one with your family; you danced like nobody was watching; you indulged in some cupcakes; and you got the scooter you wanted. You also started running like crazy; taking a gymnastics class on Wednesdays; you know the difference between hot (chaud) and cold (froid) and say the words in both English and French; you started to say ‘how are you?”; you love playing hide and seek and use the word ‘cacher’ (hide) when you play; you know the words ‘off’; couches (diapers); manger (eat); bonjour (hello); ‘open’; ‘fork,’ and of course ‘music’. Your favorite thing to do is to take care of your babies – you feed them; wipe them when they go ‘peepee’ and ‘caca’; have full conversations with them asking them if they are hungry or want to ‘boire’ (drink). You aren’t my little baby any more, but have grown into a beautiful little girl. You are the sweetest, most huggable and kissable and well-mannered daughter we could ever ask for. You light up everyone’s life that you cross (even people on the street) with your giant smile. We are so proud of the person you’ve become in just two years. We can’t wait to see what this year brings. Happy Birthday to our little koala bear!

This was you last year at this time.

23 Months

At 23 months, I want to remember that you already have more frequent flyer miles than most adults having already made three trips to the U.S. before you’re even two. I think you had a great summer swimming almost everyday; seeing your U.S. family; and going to the beach. Your little personality is more evident every day. It’s fun seeing you rediscover things now that you know what they are. I love when you take my hand, say ‘go,’ and lead me to where you want to go, which is usually to your room to read. You learned more than 30 words in one month including: ‘good morning,’ ‘please,’ ‘book,’ ‘cochon’ (pig), ‘bug,’ ‘pousette’ (stroller), ‘fan,’ ‘pool,’ ‘door’ (which you say dawl), ‘bless you’ (when someone sneezes), ‘c’est chaud’ (it’s hot), ‘honey’ (what I call your papa), ‘fish’ (which you learned in the Keys), ‘ice,’ ‘money,’ ‘mine’ (which you say a lot now), ‘fell’ (when something falls to the ground), ‘color’ (when you want to use your crayons), ‘dance’ (you always want to do this), ‘sit down,’ ‘lay down,’ ‘froid’ (cold), ‘fruits’ (I could listen to you say this all day – it’s the cutest), ‘arrêter’ (stop, which you say ‘ette’), ‘ball/ballon,’ and ‘open.’ You know how to count to 10 – well, at least you have the sounds for each number. You are getting better and better at saying your ABCs. Now when I drop you off at daycare you give me a big kiss and hug and wave me goodbye. You started to help me in the kitchen. Your first task was to wash the salad and use the salad spinner to dry it. Every time I look at you I honestly can’t believe you’re mine. I can hardly believe you’ll be two next month!

Here you are around this time last year.

22 Months

At 22 months, I want to remember that you are jumping all around; when I ask you to do your yoga you get into a downward facing dog position; you are able to identify most all of your body parts when I ask you; your new words are ‘chocolate’ and ‘fuffy’ (coffee); you started to sing your ABC’s; you like counting to three when you do things like walking up/down stairs or when you’re ready to jump; you started to say ‘I love you’ when I say it to you; and you love puppies. You are full of energy and every morning when you wake up you are singing and happy. There are times when you are more difficult and for that I need to harness all of my patience, sometimes it’s not easy. I’m thankful for you every day because you teach me more about myself. Watching a little human grow is one of the most amazing things I’ve experienced in life so far. I love you.

21 Months

At 21 months, I want to remember that your vocabulary is growing daily with new words like ‘encore’ (again); ‘keys’; ‘attendre’ (wait); ‘i love you’; ‘gâteau’ (cake/cookie); ‘dodo’ (nap) ‘voilà’; and ‘bed.’ (currently you have 12 French words and 11 English ones) You had your first hair cut. You went on your first trip with some of your friends to the countryside for the 4th of July (we went as well of course!). You love the song Wiggle and say ‘encore’ when it’s over – you go into a dancing fit when it’s on. You dance to anything really. You love the water! You are more and more independent every day. Recently you walked to the grocery store pushing your baby in its stroller. I almost wept thinking that not pushing you any more is going to happen sooner than I’d like.