Happy Birthday to My Boushka Girl!

Boushka turns 2! I wish I could capture you just as you are right now, and never forget it--- blogging and photographing as much as I can is my attempt at bottling up the sweetest 2 yr old in the world!

You have grown and changed so much in the last two years. You started out the tiniest of all the babies at a small 7 pounds even. When we brought you home you were right around 6 1/2 pounds--so tiny! And now look at you... so big, yet so small!

You weigh in around 24 pounds and are about 33 inches tall! Yes, that 's tiny-- but you've got a lot of personality. Since you've been talking so well for so long, it amazes us what comes out of your little mouth. The way you can string words together to make coherent thoughts come out just blows my mind. You are one smart cookie--book and street smart!

Today as I was tucking you in for bed, I just looked at you and saw you getting on the school bus going to your first day of kindergarten. This came out of nowhere, really; although I suppose that I'm realizing just how fast a 2 month old turns into a 2 yr old, and eventually (though suddenly it feels) a kindergartner. I couldn't help but sob-- it started out innocently enough with a mere tear in the corner of one eye--and then they just started pouring out. You came over and hugged and kissed me. I didn't want you to see me cry because I didn't want you to think it was your fault. And of course, after the affection you asked, What's wrong, mommy? Awww, the way you said those words just made me cry even harder. Luckily daddy was right there and he must've known where the tears were coming from because he told you that mommy was okay and it was not your fault. You hugged and kissed me some more--thank you, sweet baby. That was just what I needed.

So I guess I'm crying because of how fast you grew from this

to this. (holding your birthday invitation--you were totally stoked)

How days of changing your newborn diapers turned into days where I'm asking you Are you ready to use the potty? When I used to put away these little onzies that hung on your tiny body to now where I'm putting you in T clothing (like 2T). How I used to nurse you several times a day and throughout the night, and now you eat every meal at the table (in a booster seat) with us. I can't believe you can voice your opinion about everything from Mickey to avocados, feeding the ducks, and what you think about the weather.

Boushka, you are the cutest little thing with the biggest dark eyes. You have incredibly long lashes, unruly hair, pudgy little feet, skinned up knees, and sweet little hands that you like me to hold. You almost always smell like Graham crackers (though you don't eat those) or some kind of sweet mixed with a little sweat and dirt. And I'm not surprised since you are constantly asking for candy or chocolate or cookies, and you never stop running around and getting into mischief. Oh that little spirit of yours is strong.

Bed time is usually not your favorite time, but every once in a while you do go to bed nicely. We do your "wettas" or letters on your back. You tell me not to wet da bed buds bite, mama (let the bed bugs bite, mama)! And I, of course, say it back to you. And you tell me your favorite part of your day was me. You won't lie down until you've had several huds (hugs) and tisses (kisses). This is certainly one of my favorite times of day with you.

You also enjoy playing outside, watching birds and dogs, feeding the ducks, coloring (you make scribbles very well), wearing your Ariel nightgown, anything Mickey, anything sweet, helping me cook or bake, swinging, going down slides and most importantly you have made two new friends, K & L (yes, Traci, these are your sweet babies). You talk about K and L all day. You refer to them as your fends (friends). I think you think of K as another big sister to you. And L is certainly the boy I've arranged for you to marry :-)

You communicate so very well. For several months now you've been able to say 6 word sentences. I think this is pretty much unheard of, but when a girl needs a cookie she learns to get the words out (your first 6 word sentence was "Daddy, I need more cookie, please!"). You've been cracking us up all the time with the funny things you say, but more importantly with the inflection in your voice. It's always right on target!

I'm just in awe as I sit here and look at your first two years of life. Stunned by the lessons that you teach me everyday. Amazed by how much I can love somebody who can seriously drive me batty. Honored to be the woman who brought you into this world, will watch you grow and hopefully someday say See, it really is worth it! as you hold your new baby for the first time. Humbled by the fact that you look up to me to set an example (for everything). Beyond thankful that I can have your unconditional love. And blessed by God for your sweet life.

Muuuuaaaah! Loves ya!