being 2

Have you ever thought, "oh, I'd love to be 2 again!", or "I'd love to be a kid again"? I have. I look at the life that Anna and I lead and I think...for moments throughout the day I do get to be a kid again. Oh sure, I am still a parent and need to protect, guide, discipline, encourage, support and all the other things that go along with being a stay-at-home mom - but I also get to play and to see every day through the eyes of a 2 year old.


So, what is it like to be 2? Do you remember? Here's a glimpse into our little 2 year old's life:

• Every morning is a morning to wake up happy. What will the day hold? Anna wakes up singing songs, or talking to her babies/animals in her bed, or calling out to Steve and I asking "Mommy, Daddy, where could you be??"


• The day is filled with hours in which to "play". When asked "what would you like to do today Anna?" you can bet your answer will involve the word "play".


• You never know what adventures will be lying around the corner. Swiper the Fox (from Dora the Explorer) has been known to be hiding around the corners in our house. Toy animals come alive. Fancy tea parties are held for all of Anna's babies and ponies and friends - imagination is everywhere.


• Wagon rides and stroller rides almost always have a way of ending at a park (per Anna's pleading). The same swings, slides, stairs and rocks have a way of providing endless and new entertainment each day.


• Disappointments and frustrations are many - as struggles with independence meet boundaries - but there are no drawn out grudges. There are no disagreements or hurt feelings that last more than a minute or two. Instead, there is typically laughter - by all parties moments after. What a wonderful way to live.


• Challenges are around every corner. Can I climb these stairs, or are they too steep? Can I do this art project? Can I get up after a fall and try again? What will it be like to play here with these friends and have mommy leave for a bit? Each one is different, but from each she grows.


• Comforts are many. Do you remember a day when you received no less than 25 hugs or kisses or I love yous? It's probably been awhile. This is the norm for Anna, and hopefully most 2-year-olds. Proclamations of love and attention are showered on her hourly, by family, friends and even acquaintances. I hope she stores this up in her bank of self-esteem.


• Decisions are simple (at least in our eyes): chicken or PB&J for lunch? fun park or the neighborhood park? banana bread or pancakes? pink dress or pink pants?


• Newness is everywhere. How could you ever be bored when every place you visit is a new adventure. An apple orchard you visited the year before is a new place when you can walk and explore on your own. A Children's Museum is different every single time you visit because you can reach new things, play with new things, imagine new things. Instant entertainment.


• Every night she collapses into bed, worn out from activities and fun from the day just completed. Sleep is long and restful - free of stresses to keep her awake in the wee hours of the morning. No wonder her energy is boundless.

Oh, how I love to watch this little one be 2!