My Dearest Karina,
It’s hard to even write Karina, because to me you are Kar, Kar-Boo, Karina-Bo-Bina, Kar Bars, sugar booger, and more. Seriously, your list of nicknames may be slightly out of control. But truly, they seem to sum you up well: You are a little spark plug, and I can’t believe you are already TWO years old!
This past year has been C-R-A-Z-Y. Crazy busy. Crazy wild. Crazy beautiful.
First, it’s hard to remember, but I nursed you until you were more than 18 months old…and even then, you weren’t ready to give up. I have major guilt for weaning you, but I think you *finally* have forgiven me. I’m so sorry. The fact is, you are a happy child now and that’s what matters, right? Right. {sensitive subject for mama!}
On that note, I know the whole “breastfeeding makes kids healthier” notion can be controversial and not always true, but I have to say — you’ve held up your end of the deal! You’ve only had one ear infection your entire life. Pretty incredible how healthy you are considering you are my child who has licked a window at a bar in town, licked a sign at Lowe’s, ate various food off the ground, and more I probably didn’t even see. When doctors say those kinds of things build up immunities, I believe it. Disgusting at times, but I am SO happy you’re so healthy 
Health aside, one of my favorite parts of our day is when you and I are alone for a few minutes while I put you down for a nap. You pick out a few books, I read them to you, and then we rock a bit. For awhile, you would scream when I sang to you…and honestly, that stung since I love to sing. But the past few months, you have requested I sing, and you often say “again,” the moment I stop. Your current favorite is “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star,” but also love a German lullaby I sing. You sing along in your little babble and it tugs at my heartstrings.
If we’re not confined to rocking, you LOVE dancing and start moving the second you hear music. I’ll never forget the time we went to a tractor show and you went nuts on the dance floor to a band playing 60′s music — completely alone. I adored your moves and your confidence. I hope it stays with you for the rest of your life.
You are such a lover, and so far, don’t have a shy bone in your body. You crack me up when you find the creepiest looking man at the store and wave and say “Hi!” to him. You are not afraid of much {with the exception of loud things like 4-wheelers and boats}, and can often be found getting into trouble, whether it’s wandering off somewhere or climbing to the top of a play structure that is way too big for you. Also, let’s not forget that time you fell into a river. Ugh. Everyone warns me that boys are crazy, but I think you have prepared us very well for the transition!
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