Mila turns 2!

I have to say....I cannot believe my baby is 2. I approach this birthday with mixed feelings. I am so happy to have a wonderful, rapidly developing toddler but at the same time.....I want to keep her young...cherish this cute and fun stage. It's been quite an emotional week but now that it's her birthday.....I am just happy and thankful for how much she has enriched my life. Here are a few updates for my two year old:

1. Mila said "I love you mama" for the first time this past month. Made my heart melt.

2. Mila is very independent and likes to do things herself (isn't that the definition of a toddler?). She wants to dress herself (tries) and - no longer wants me to read books to her. She picks the books she wants to "read", flips through the pages and talks about them and if I try to read to her she puts up her hand and says "no mama." I am just thankful that she likes books and tries to read.

3. As always, Mila LOVES to be outside and often cries when we have to come inside. After work we usually go for a walk to the local elementary school and play on the playground. I guess I am a kid at heart because I do love playing with her (riding down the slides, climbing the play structures, etc.). Her favorite phrase during these playground times is "Mama's turn" which means she wants me to do what she just did on the playground equipment.

4. Mila is starting to talk quite a bit more now. She is using mostly 2-3 word phrases and pretty much repeats anything I say. She has a hard time pronouncing a few words (e.g., milk sounds like "more") but usually I understand what she is saying. She still signs quite a bit......particularly if her mouth is full of food and she can't talk but she wants something. She often says "thank you mama" without prompting and we are working on "please" as it's sort of something I would like her to learn vs. her demanding things (e.g., food, milk, etc.)

5. The "tantrums" or mini tantrums have started. Basically, whenever Mila does not get what she wants she cries or shows some other way of protesting. I try not to be sarcastic but sometimes when she is crying about something I did not let her have I say "I know, it's tough when you don't get what you want." Life is rough in our household.

6. Mila continues to be infatuated with "Yo Gabba Gabba." I bought her a new DVD and now she requests "New Gab Gab." She has recently gotten into the Sesame Street counting DVD which is much more tolerable for mama than Yo Gabba Gabba. She has also started to "count things" as they do on the DVD. I guess my electronic babysitter is teaching her something:).

7. One of the most interesting developments is that we were contacted my Mila's birth grandmother this past month. I am hoping this means we can have some contact and/or pictures of Mila's birthmother.

8. Mila tells me she has to go poo poo after she has just gone. I think she is starting to understand the sensation but does not seem close to being potty trained. I put her on the potty each night before bath and whenever she says "poo poo" but so no success in the toilet. She will be moving to a new daycare March 28th and I have been told they push potty training. Good for them.....if they can get her to go in the potty....great. Otherwise -I would wait until summer until I had more time to work with her.

Not so happy during most of the photo shoot

What else can I say except I love my girl to pieces. She humbles and challenges me on a daily basis but....I love it! I love how she "rocks my world" - mixes things up and reminds me about what's important in life.