Potato and Patata: February 2012

Oh boy what do I say about this little creature.Or where do I start...

From the moment you started to show life in my belly I knew you were different.

There were complications when I was pregnant with you and I was sure I lost you in the early stages of your little life.I was hospitalized later on in the pregnancy and worried again that something was wrong.The day I got to see your little face was very exciting and I was relieved to see how perfect you were.You slept a lot in the hospital and you didn't even cry.I thought to myself how did I get so lucky to have a quiet,content little girl.

We came home with you and everything changed...

The past two years have been the most challenging years of my life and yet at the same time filled with fun,laughter and a lot of lessons learned for momma.I have never met anyone like you and you have shown me life in a different way.

There are so many unique qualities in such a little soul that I marvel at your existence.

90% of the day I spend running after you,taking things away from you or removing you from a potentially dangerous situation.You defiantly keep me in shape and I have to constantly be cleaning the house because if I don't you will find something that you shouldn't have.

It's a constant wonder why you seem to love putting yourself in these dangerous situation and you seem to be pretty slow at learning your lessons..However I think you just like living on the edge and exploring the world in your own adventurous way.There are days when I feel that I have ran a marathon!You are always conspiring and plotting out your next move and I am always having to keep up!

Your sleeping is STILL no good.You STILL don't sleep through the night but I think we are pretty use to it now that I don't feel the need to complain about lack of sleep anymore!

I find your appetite and what you choose to eat gives me much pleasure and joy as a mom because I have never seen a kid that loves vegetables so much! You would rather eat celery over cookies any day and pretty much whatever I would eat I can give you as well which makes life much easier! Thank you little one;)

Your relationship with others is an interesting one and has changed throughout the last year. You are at times a very loving and caring individual and other times you seem to have such animosity towards us but usually it's just when you are frustrated.

You adore Bailey and I have to remind her of that because you often don't want her to touch you or even look at you,but you get so excited to show her things and what you can do.You love wearing her clothes and playing with her toys. You love to mimic her in every way. You admire her I can see it when you look at her.

You have an amazing relationship with our pooch Ozzy!and he loves you too.You take good care of him,you feed him and let him out of his crate in the mornings and lock him in it during the day;)You call him inside for me and pet him so gently(most of the time)You are not afraid of him even though he is much much larger than you.

You can be very controlling and I have an idea of what kind of women you could possibly be one day and wife if you choose to marry..

You are very independent and if you want something you will find a way to get it.If you ask me for something and I don't get it for you straight away you will help yourself.The other day you got the milk out and poured a whole bag into the dog crate missing your cup entirely! If I don't change your diaper asap you will go ahead and do it yourself.I really don't like when you change your poopy diapers!You are using the potty and it really just depends on the day how much you use it. The decision has to be yours because if I suggest it you won't go.

You are very good at dressing yourself and even better at taking it all off.You rarely are fully dressed and it's a challenge keeping your clothes on.

You still don't like crowds and wonder off ..I give you space but there is a limit to how much I can give you because as soon as I start approaching you you like to run for it and usually in the direction of the road,go figure (you laugh in the face of danger)

My goodness girl you are intelligent!! You can count to 20(not perfect but getting there) Your vocabulary has sky rocketed and you talk in sentences..One of your favorite phrases to say is 'Are you kidding me' you love repeating commercials! You have the best manners,please,thank you and sorry are just a few and are very prominent in your daily vocabulary. You can sing a lot of songs including Bieber songs;)You love Christmas songs and have an amazing rendition of jingle bells that goes something like this 'grandpa balls grandpa balls grandpa balls away' You know your ABC's and you are starting to do them in sign language.You are doing great with your colours. What really impresses me however is how much you want to learn and how hard you try..I wish I had half of your enthusiasm!

Girl you've got some amazing dance moves and can shake it like a Polaroid;) You love watching youtube videos of twinkle star and the wiggles of course(who doesn't love watching grown men dancing around like a bunch of animals)

We have to be very careful and strategic with what we let you play with.You have a way of absolutely destroying anything and everything if given the chance.I have handed you things in stores with the intentions of keeping you busy and distracted but I have learned my lesson after several time of having to pay for broken merchandise..

I wanted you to have a lulu I pod doll for your b-day but knowing that it is only held shut by velcro I hesitated because of the thought of what you would do to the thing.Of course Nana came through and sewed a zipper that has a lock on it hehe...After all that work(thanks Nana)you can't stand the doll and I think it freaks you out a bit!

We are always trying to safe proof our house but every time we have a clever idea to stop you from doing something or getting in somewhere you find a way to put us to shame :((note it is a very safe house for regular children)

Your drive,your compassion you show when you are sorry or when someone gets hurt,how gentle you are for your baby dolls (not stuffed animals you only use those for target practice)

your determination,your stubbornness,your excitement for simple things.You have shown me that there is nothing you can't do when you want it bad enough and you have depleted any part of me that has wanted to give up.

I love harder,laugh louder,smile more and am a stronger person because of you.

you are such a little creature who is extremely powerful and I know you will make a difference in this world and in anyone you come in contact with.

I lack in many areas but strive in many areas too and because of you and Bailey I strive as being a good mom..Now I have the challenge of keeping you safe and protecting you for the rest of my life!

Cheers to you My Marlee and Happy B-day!