As incredible as her first year was, I think this second year is proving to be even more exciting. The first year was full of physical growth and physical milestones. Now she is growing mentally. She is blossoming into her own person with her own unique personality, likes and dislikes, thoughts and ideas. She is learning how she fits into this vast world, and she is learning how to communicate and impact the world around her. I see so much possibility in those bright little eyes. With the strong spirit and exuberance she already shows, I know the future holds great things for her. And we are forming the foundation of that future right here and now. That is both an amazing privilege and a daunting responsibility!
Just as she grows by leaps and bounds, so does my love for her. Until she came along, I never knew it was possible to love a person this completely. There are times when the love and emotion of motherhood is almost overwhelming in its intensity. I want to scoop her into my arms and smother her in kisses. I want to hold her tight and never let go. She returns my hugs and kisses very enthusiastically, which of course makes my heart melt just a little more…and then she wriggles to be released, and I am brought back to reality with a jolt! I look forward to bedtime as a welcome break, but then once she’s been asleep 20 minutes, I go back there and just gaze at her beautiful little face. Life is so full with her around, and the simplest thing are fun and exciting. And then I feel guilty for the times I’m impatient or less than engaged with her, or any of my other shortcoming as a mother. But she loves me and forgives me, so I have to forgive myself.
Okay, enough sentiment from me!
So you may be wondering what she has been doing recently that has me thinking “wow, you’re getting so big!” Well, since you insist, I’ll share a few things. (you know me, always happy to brag on my girl!)
The biggest development is her talking. Every new day brings a few new words; I have lost count of all the words she says, but I’m sure it’s close to 50 now. But it’s not only her vocabulary that is growing – it’s also her overall concept of language and communication. She is starting to piece words together into basic two-word sentences. And she understands everything I tell her, even the more “complicated” things.
Her favorite word these days is “me.” As in, “that’s for me” or “I want that.” Whatever she has her eye on, she points and says “me, me, me.” If her wish is not quickly fulfilled, the pitch quickly escalates and it becomes a whine.
Just today she said her own name for the first time. I asked her “where’s Nadia?” and she patted herself on the head and said “Na-da!” Of course that delighted me and we did it the entire way to Baba and Pappy’s, where she refused to shown off her new skill. Ah well, I’ve always said she’s stubborn!
Another exciting development is that she actually plays *with* other kids now, sharing toys and playing basic games. Look at her and the cousins playing the piano together. Now tell me that isn’t precious!
She imitates *every*thing. If I sweep the floor, she sweeps the floor. If I brush my hair, she brushes her hair (not always with a hairbrush, it’s sometimes a tooth brush or even a block – but at least she has the idea!). If I’m on the phone, she grabs her phone and chatters right along with me. Speaking of phones, she made Daddy’s day yesterday by talking up a storm to him on the phone. She usually just listens and tries to push buttons, but yesterday she jabbered away. I love hearing that sweet little baby voice!
And…um…she likes to strip. Yup, that’s right. She takes her diaper off. She just discovered that she could do it a couple days ago, and since then it’s happened 3 times. I suppose that’s a drawback to this warm weather and sweet little sundresses – that if gives easy access to the diaper!
She is also playing more and more constructively. Instead of just running around with toys hanging out of her mouth, LOL, she plays with them in their intended way. Like, she puts her Little People dolls to bed now! Baba and Pappy have a little purse toy filled with phone, lipstick and keys, and she “puts the lipstick on” and tries to unlock doors. She stacks blocks and cups, tries to do her puzzle.
I think my very favorite thing is how she comes running up and throws her arms around me, hugging so tight giving me a sweet baby kiss. I love the way she purses those lips, squeezes the eyes shut and flashes the dimples. She is very generous with the hugs, but she’s not one for long snuggles; she’s a busy girl, with places to go and people to see! I also love how she looks over her shoulder and backs into my lap to read a story.
Oh, my dearest girl…you are growing up so fast. I am so proud of you and I watch every new step you take with joy. But each little step you take away from me breaks my heart a little, too. I am happy to follow behind you while I still can and help pick you up. Just please don’t run away too fast.
She was watching an airplane. Whenever I tell her “there’s an airplane, Nadia!” she cranes her little face upwards to looks for it. We’re still spending lots of time outside while we can – it’s starting to get horrible humid and it won’t be much longer until the outdoors are miserable. 
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I’ve been trying to get this picture for a long time! Nadia absolutely adores the cat. She gets so excited every time she sees Smudge, and she rushes to shower him with affection. The only problem is, Smudge isn’t so keen on her style of affection! But they are doing better and better together, and the cat no longer flees at the mere sight of her. In fact, I have this theory that he secretly likes her now, but he’s too proud to admit it. I love seeing them together, Nadia’s face alight with joy as she laughs and laughs. I usually don’t have time to grab the camera before he runs off (leaving Nadia quite upset and in hot pursuit!) but this time they hung out together for a good few minutes. 
She sure does find odd places to play! She had the best time sitting in the bathroom sink and playing with all the toiletries – brushing her hair, putting on lotion….Such a girl. 
But it’s okay, they’ve managed to work through it and they’re all friends again now. 
