Letter To My Daughter On Her Second Birthday: My Dear Karina

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!

You absolutely LOVE just being wild…whether it’s daddy tossing you in the air or rolling down the hill in the yard. I hope you don’t go much beyond that because my heart can’t handle you bungee jumping off a bridge or out of a plane one day, mmmk?

On the flip side, you have a tender and loving side and are my little helper. I know I can trust in you to do what I ask of you, and you often will clean-up your toys or grab something for me when I ask. I adore that about you. I hope you always keep your spirit ready and willing to help others.

Although I often tell people you have a fiery personality, I admire the way you show your passion for things, even though it’s hard on me as a parent. You know what you like and won’t take no for an answer until you get your way — period. You are obsessed with your blankey, minions, and books, and if anyone tries to take any of those items — look out! You also are getting adamant about what I dress you in and will protest if it’s not something you like. I know — foreshadowing on what’s to come when you’re a teen, right?

I’d be lying to you if I said this year hasn’t been tough because it has. You are learning and discovering, and getting into things and that’s OK because you need to explore. We’ve been working on your language development quite a bit and you are getting there, though you still let your sister do much of the talking. Let’s make this next year the year of you becoming my chatterbox. I won’t even complain! Mama just wants you to talk more, dear. Oh, and please stop coloring on the walls and furniture. I can’t seem to hide markers well enough from you.

At the end of the day, I often reflect on how our lives would not be complete without you in it, Kar-Boo. Please know I love you to the moon and back, times infinity.

I can’t wait to see what the year ahead has in store for you, my little spark plug!

Kisses,

Mama