I love toddler-hood.

Let me repeat: I LOVE toddler-hood, or whatever this stage is officially called by the Parenting magazines. By far my favorite stage so far. Call me crazy, but I don't mind the tantrums. I view it as an unavoidable by-product to all the awesome conversation, fun times and amazement this child brings me and her daddy.
As her vocabulary develops and personality blossoms each day, we are constantly glancing each other's way with the proudest grins. The things she absorbs are phenomenal!
And to watch the world unfold before her eyes is so awesome to watch. It's hilarious how literally she interprets everything and how much she mimics what she sees from others.
Her growing independence is bitter sweet sometimes, but its also so neat to watch.
She is so smart and VERY people-pleasing. Never meets a stranger and is friendly all of the time. Outgoing would be a good word and border line loud sometimes. She knows her manners and uses  "please" and "thank you" often. I love it when she says " thanks mom, you're the best" 

She's not a scaredy cat and has never been a fall down and cry kind of kid. Tough as nails and up for adventure. She is pretty darn funny too; I can see her being the class clown. Whenever she thinks me or Casey is upset with her, she'll do something silly to distract us and then say " are you happy? "

Yes baby, we are very happy.
She's very independent and loves the phrase " I can do it by myself". She likes to pretend she gets spooked so she can run to you with a huge grin and say 'save me! save me!'
Turning into a daddy's girl more and more everyday. Don't get me wrong - she loves her mamma, but when daddy gets home she absolutely lights up! And I'm usually not allowed to play with them once they start a game session. I'll try to join the fun and she'll say - "mom, can you go to the living room please.."
Finnnne.
But I get it, her dad is pretty awesome. I like him all to myself sometimes too.

Overall, this whole kid thing is pretty stinking fun right now. She's our buddy now, getting excited about where we go and what our plans are.

We couldn't ask for a cuter partner-in-crime.

Dear child

A quick note to our second child

Today is July 2,2015 and we’re about to head to doctor for our mid-term sonogram to find out if you are a boy or a girl. And your mamma is NERVOUS. I’ve only got one more hour to count down the time and my mind is spinning out of control with thoughts.

Not really for any reason that I can pinpoint besides that our storybook will get another sentence added to it that will shape our family forever.

Elise has a little brother. Or : Elise has a little sister.

The dynamics of our family will be forever changed.

Will we be a house full of girls that will drive daddy crazy and steal his heart all at the same time?

Will we be the ‘perfect’ nuclear family with one boy and one girl?

I kind of love the thought of both scenarios. Either option seems so magical and awesome, we can’t go wrong either way. Its just I’m still nervous with what your dad calls “anxious anticipation”

Just know we love you. You are coming into a world to three people who already ADORE you. Your sister loves to blow bubbles on my belly and insists that you are laughing. She’s pretty sure that she already cracks you up. Wait until you get out here and meet her. She’s awesome.

What’s crazy Is that most people are so worried about finding out if it’s a boy or girl at this appointment that they often overlook that this sonogram will reveal a lot about your health as well. We get to verify those two sweet arms and two sweet legs. We’ll get to see all the chambers of your heart and your growing brain. For some reason, I feel certain you are going to be perfectyly fine. Maybe its my trust in the Lord and all he has already blessed us with or the fact that you have been such an easy baby already. This pregnancy has been a cake walk. Minimal nausea, only a week or two of extreme fatigue, and not too much weight gain! You’re my pal already ;)

 

Can't wait to meet you soon!

Love, Mommy