And just like that, you are two.
Two years old, and the funniest little character I’ve ever met. You love to dance, you love to sing, and your favourite game is performing a song and dance routine for Mummy, Daddy or anyone else that will listen, often accompanied by your guitar. At the end, of course, you take a bow like any good performer would and demand applause. We love your little dance moves, especially the “one shoulder bop”. You make us laugh with your renditions of the Wheels on the Bus, and “Crinkle, Crinkle Little Star”, especially when you tell us that you’re not singing anything else because you’re too busy “crinkling”.
And just like that, you can talk.
It’s amazing how much you can say already, and your speech is something I’m most proud of. At two years old, we’re at a point where we can have a proper mini conversation with you, and it’s just lovely. One of my favourite conversations recently happened when I was putting the washing out and you were pottering around in the garden. After opening the greenhouse door and gasping in delight, you came up to me, took my hand, and asked, “Mummy want look snake?” Apparently you’d found a snake in our garden…! Upon being dragged over to the greenhouse, I found a slug slithering its way across the path, which you insisted on waving at, as well as shouting “hello snake!” at the poor thing!
And just like that, your curiosity has been unleashed.
I should be honest and say you’ve always been a nosy curious child. If there’s a cupboard, you’ll open it. If there’s a noise, you’ll try to find out where it’s coming from. If there’s a new food, you’ll try it. But all of a sudden, at two, that curiosity seems to have taken on a new dimension. I guess it’s because it’s coupled with your speech, and your favourite question is “what do?”
And just like that, you’re a proper little character!
Insisting on wearing your sun hat on a trip to the library in the rain. Having to give a goodbye kiss to a selection of toys when going on an outing. Insisting on taking “Teddy, Rooroo, Doggy and one more Doggy” to bed with you every night. Your imagination has taken off and you already have better acting skills than half the cast of Eastenders. I got told off by Nanny Hatchy for calling you eccentric, but I honestly think you are and that this isn’t a negative.
Not only are you a character, but just like that you’re sooooo spirited too.
Depending on the situation depends on whether this is a good thing or bad thing! You’ve given Mummy a heart attack on many an occasion…running off from her in a crowded department store cafe, edging ever closer to the lake at your Auntie’s wedding, climbing on things you shouldn’t be climbing on. But then I also think this spirit fuels your sense of curiosity and fun. It’s heart warming to see you join in with your older cousins, or when you take the hand of one of your little friends to go off exploring. It’s a thin line sometimes for me between wanting to keep you safe and yet not crushing that spirit.
And just like that, you are super independent.
If I ask you if you want any help, I’m almost always met with a crisp, determined little “No!” A phrase I hear all the time – from putting your shoes on to filling your water cup – is “Dedder do it”, as you attempt to say your first name. It’s highly amusing, although getting out of the house now takes even longer still!
Just like that, you are sooooo cuddly!
Even though you’re so independent, often you still just want Mummy cuddles. It’s true what they say about little boys: they are super affectionate. You’ll often demand a “cuggle” or “lap” if you want to snuggle up on Mummy. Quite often you’ll plant kisses on me too, which is just the nicest thing. Just the other night, you called me into your room as you were “scared”, and I loved tucking you back in tight, making sure you were safe from the world.
And just like that, you’re not my baby any more.
It’s true. At two, you don’t feel like a baby any more. You truly feel like a toddler; a child. You’ve lost the majority of your baby ways, and I’m sure that the last few baby traits will be ditched in the next few months. We no longer use the highchair as you want to sit on your booster seat at the table with us, for example. You’ll have a good go at using your knife and fork properly. You sleep with a proper quilt and pillow rather than a GroBag, and I feel like we’re on the cusp of potty training. Even though I found being the mum of a newborn incredibly hard, this still makes me really sad.
But just like that, just as you’re now an independent, loving, walking and talking child, and a character in your own right, you’re still my baby deep down. And you always will be.
Happy birthday baby boy! Just like that, just like we always did, Mummy and Daddy love you more than you could know xxx
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I may have just had a little cry reading this at my desk at work! I relate to this so much, with Alfie hitting each new milestone as Baby Lighty does, they’re not our little babies anymore! But as sad as it they’re no longer tiny squishy bundles, it’s so exciting watching them grow into independent, fun and amazing young boys. It makes me quite excited for what the future holds. Lovely post, and Happy Birthday Little Man! xx
Yes I am too. I think though when I sat down to look at what memories I wanted to record since last year I felt white emotional! Sorry to have made you cry! Will look forward to reading Alfie’s one soon! xxx
This was beautiful to read, I’ve been through these thoughts and feelings with both of mine. They grow and change so much, but being there very step of the way is wonderful. Xx
Thank you! Yes it’s absolutely lovely to witness! xxx
And just like that… I had a little wobble reading this beautiful post! I hope you’ve all had the best day. I had giggles and felt tears welling up at the same time reading this Nic. It will be so precious for you all to look back on in years to come. Beautifully captured. Happy birthday Dexter xxx
Thank you! I hope he’ll love it as he gets older. I just so want to bottle his spirit as he is right now! xxx
You are going to love posts like this when your little one is older and you can look back and see all the fun of being two. My youngest are now nearly 10 and their whole lives are documented. Mich x
Ah I hope so. I hope Baby Lighty will do too and not be completely embarrassed by me, oops!!
Ours just turned one, and he’s definitely turning into a little boy. We need one of those guitars! #dreamteam
Such a big boy! #DreamTeam
He sounds adorable. What lovely pictures too. I bet he’s a lot of fun to be around. You are so blessed. Two is such a nice age.
Oh wow, such a little character.
I think I am dreading the eldest turning 3 then a few months after the littlest turning 2 because they just understand and do so much. x 🙂
#dreamteam
He’s gorgeous! You pictures are wonderful. I love how all of a sudden you realise that they are not babies anymore. It’s slowly creeping up on me but I’m very much in denial! #Dreamteam
Thank you so much. I’m pretty sure I’m in denial too!! Thank you for linking up to #DreamTeam.
And just like that mine turned four. He’s our last and I treasure every bit of time with him #dreamteam
Baby Lighty is likely to be our only child so I can totally imagine how you feel with your youngest. Thank you so much for linking up to #DreamTeam.
What a lovely round up. He’s is so well described and I bet when he looks back at this in years to come he’ll be touched. #DreamTeam
I hope so. I hope he won’t be totally embarrassed!! Thank you so much for linking up to #DreamTeam.
And just like that……I love this post! Your little boy is very cute! I remember mine being 2. Its such a delightful age but hard work! They are truly into everything but in an inquisitive way. My son has a permanent bump on his head as he was always up to something! I like the way that one day, he will be able to read all your posts and you will be able to keep a record of all the things he can do. Lovely. #DreamTeam
Ah I hope so. I hope he won’t be totally embarrassed by me!! It’s a very cute age but a lot of work as you say. Thank you so much for linking up to #DreamTeam.
Love the photo of him with the guinea pig, so cute. They grow so fast, don’t they #TwinklyTuesday
Yep they really do. I love the photo with the guinea pig too!!
Oh what a lovely post! He will love reading this when he’s grown up. I love that he sings Crinkle Crinkle Little Star, so sweet #DreamTeam xx
I know, I love Crinkle Crinkle Little Star too! Thank you so much for linking up to #DreamTeam.
This is so lovely! They grow up so fast. I can’t believe how quickly my little one’s first year is going #dreamteam
It flies by, doesn’t it? Thank you so much for linking up to #DreamTeam.
Ah so so sweet, Happy Birthday little one! #DreamTeam
Thank you! And thank you so much for linking up to #DreamTeam! 🙂
Such a lovely letter to your boy, he will treasure this when he grows older and is able to read it for himself! X #DreamTeam
I hope so. I hope he won’t be completely embarrassed by me!! Thank you so much for linking up to #DreamTeam.
What a lovely round up, they grow so quickly don’t they I can’t believe I’ll have a three year old soon! Argh. Gorgeous post. #dreamteam
Aaargh a threenager!! This time next year I’ll have one! Where does the time go?! Thank you so much for linking up to #DreamTeam.
Happy Birthday, little man! It’s wonderful when they can start to speak and you can really see their little personality starting to shine through. I hope you have a wonderful day celebrating and this little tribute is so lovely! #dreamteam
Thank you so much! I have to say I love the speaking aspect, it’s so cute but also so helpful too!! Thank you so much for linking up to #DreamTeam.
The years just fly by in a blink dont they? I was just looking at my nearly ten year old thinking to myself…who the hell even are you?
#dreamteam
Yep! Although I can’t imagine having a ten year old yet, but it’ll be on me before I know it, I’m sure! Thank you so much for linking up to #DreamTeam.
How adorable! I just can’t wait until my twins can speak – I am desperate to get to know their thoughts! I want to know all their individual interests. This post is so uplifting, Happy Birthday little man 🙂
Oh it’s so lovely when they can speak! And as you say it’s an insight into their thoughts and personalities. Thank you so much for linking up to #DreamTeam.
What a lovely summary of his journey with some great pics. No doubt this will be share in years to come with many fond memories. Time goes soo quickly.
Ah I hope so. I hope he won’t be completely embarrassed by me!! Thank you so much for linking up to #DreamTeam.
What a lovely post, beautiful photos – happy birthday little man! X #dreamteam
Thank you! And thank you so much for linking up to #DreamTeam!
Oh this is so adorable! Happy birthday little man! So much changes, so quickly, doesn’t it? #DreamTeam
Yep it really does. And thank you for your birthday wishes! Thank you so much for linking up to #DreamTeam.
What a cute post and a lovely momento of the moment. Great photos too! #DreamTeam
Ah thank you! And thank you so much for linking up to #DreamTeam too!
This is so beautiful. Toddlers come out with so many amazing and funny things, I’d love to know what’s going on in their heads sometimes, it’s such a fantastic stage x
#DreamTeam
I know, it’s fascinating, isn’t it? Thank you so much for linking up to #DreamTeam.
Awww so grown up! They seem to suddenly go from babes to boys!
#dreamteam
Yep they really do!! Thank you so much for linking up to #DreamTeam.
What a precious post – so much character comes through in the pictures you’ve shared on of your (not so) little boy! They grow up too fast!! #DreamTeam
Ah thank you! He is a real little character, that’s for sure!! Thank you so much for linking up to #DreamTeam.
Two is my favourite age so far! My son just makes me melt and I love all the glimpses you get of their character. Happy Birthday! #DreamTeam
So sweet. They grow up so quickly and it is wonderful to document the special moments like this. He looks adorable. #dreamteam
Thank you! He is, most of the time!! 😉 Thank you so much for linking up to #DreamTeam.
Ah, this is lovely. They change so much when they’re at age and before you know, they’re an actual person who communicates and does stuff … Thank you for sharing 🙂
Aw . such a cute post. He looks like a proper little man, full of character. Happy birthday sweetie.
#dreamteam
This brought a tear to my eye. My youngest is growing so quickly and is now 14 months, he will almost certainly be our last and I feel like the time is racing past too fast 🙁 It is amazing watching them become real little people and the pride and love do help with the sadness a little #dreamteam
So sweet! It’s so bittersweet isn’t it when they hit a birthday. It’s a honour and pleasure to see them grow but sad it’s going so fast! “Crinkle, Crinkle Little Star” made me smile. I love how they have their own versions. My daughter sings “Tinkle, tinkle Little Star”! #DreamTeam
#dreamteam oh i loved 2 – it was the beginning of a magical imagination journey i could never have prepared myself for. Enjoy every moment of 2 x
Ahh gorgeous! Happy 2nd birthday!! Two is such a gorgeous age! #dreamteam
Awww bless. I can see a lot of similarities in our two year olds as well as differences and I thought the snake was going to be a hose pipe. #DreamTeam
Awwww this is gorgeous! It’s amazing how much he can do at 2! They grow so fast #dreamteam
What a lovely post Nic! I can’t believe that Baby Lighty isn’t really a baby anymore. There is something so magical as the babyish bits disappear and you start to discover your little person in a whole new light. Thank you for being a brilliant #DreamTeam guest host. xxx
Ahh He sounds like such a little character!! its lovely when they start developing their own personality isn’t it? my toddler is 18 months now and suddenly seems so grown up too!
Forgot to put #dreamteam oops!
Happy Birthday to your beautiful boy! 2 now, and just like that… Oy vey, it goes so fast! Enjoy every minute! #DreamTeam xo
Happy birthday little man! I completely get the lack of baby-ness.. Ben turned one last month and I have noticed a massive change in his behaviour and his baby ways are fading. its horrible isnt it? #dreamteam