Happy Second Birthday!

I can't believe it's been two years.

Wow.

How could something so small and helpless turn into a hyperactive chatterbox?

I look through pictures and scan memories and find myself overwhelmed by how much Kiddo has changed in such a short time.

He transformed from a little human larvae into a little boy. He tells involved stories about his toys and favorite Sesame Street characters. He pretends - actively transforming his environment into childhood wonderlands where baskets are motorcycle helmets, lace cards are talking pets, motorcycles have friendly conversations in the refrigerator, and anything can become a horsie or a golf club.

Kiddo sits happily drawing for hours. But he's just as likely to run bases (sliding into home plate), or build towers, or dig in sand. He makes up songs for anything and everything, and loves watching musicians with their instruments.

Of course he throws tantrums when he can't communicate or isn't quite able to do something. But he also gives hugs and kisses, and says "please" and "thank you."

I can't believe he does so much - or how much my life has changed because of him. When I look at him, I can imagine him towering over me, talking about his plans for some exciting adventure or life-changing experience. I can feel how that will feel - the whole twenty or thirty years of parenting that went before and every stage of his experience from that moment all the way back to his first hour of life. I can do that, but I'd rather just enjoy the kisses of now, full-body giggles, excited toddler gibberish, and even the intense need for me in the middle of the night...

"Mama? Mama? Mama? I want Mama. Mama?"

That ask, born of the knowledge that separation will happen at some point. And then, we may or may not be ready. But for now, just for now, I'll savor everything about two. Good days and bad.

Happy Second Birthday Kiddo! I can't wait to see all the wonderful things in store for you and our family.

Three Leaps: Water, Language, & Sleep

I feel like I always say this, but it's true: This past week was huge for Kiddo (Psst - is parenthood always like this?).

First, he finally got in the ocean and - LOVED IT! Yes! He loved wading through the water. He loved the sand. He did not want to leave. He only willingly left when we explained we would come back another time.

*Blink*

Second, his language skills exploded...again. He uses possessives like my, mine, your, and yours. He uses three word sentences basically any time he speaks, and of course, Kiddo talks all the time. He does sometimes slip back into toddler babble when he doesn't have the words, but his words are recognizable around 50% of the time. He also repeats everything we say (Swearing and adult topics are COMPLETELY no-nos now, if they weren't already.). Music such as early Prince, Bruno Mars, and pretty much all rap from the 1990s until now is off the table. We're committed to Owl City, Kelly Clarkson, Raffi, and anything associated with his beloved Babybug Magazine.

Third, and probably the most exciting for me, HE SLEPT THROUGH THE NIGHT! Yes, it was only ONE time, but still. I got to sleep for six hours straight and it was...glorious.

I forgot what that much sleep can do for a person. But I really missed it. Really. It's been over two years since I slept a full night. I think I slept an entire six hours a few times during my pregnancy. I want to say twice. So I think that is three times I've slept a solid night in the past 2.5 years.

Yeah.

Of course, my niece, a whole year younger than Kiddo, sleeps through the night and has since she was like six months old. Every kid is different. Breastfeeding v. formula impacts sleeping. Cosleeping or not also changes nighttime dynamics. It's a complicated and mysterious thing. That said, I'm pretty sure the new room and bed makes a difference for Kiddo's longer sleeping times. I hope this continues, though I know there will be a kind of forward/back process as we slowly move towards sleeping through consistently.

It was an exciting time this past week. It kind of feels like it will continue to be that way for a while (if not forever). Even though some things are less than ideal (changing personal habits like music or sleep times), I frequently find myself overwhelmed by love and joy at the mere thought of Kiddo. He does something during the day, and I'll find myself smiling and giddy at the memory. I didn't expect that, but it happens almost every day now. It's one of those things parents don't really talk about, so it sneaks up on you. And trust me when I say, it is a hidden treasure, and just as glorious as sleeping for six hours straight.

Clothing Sizes Are Crap

3T shirt & 24 MO shorts

Today my child is wearing a 3T shirt and 24 month shorts and they both fit well. This is not the first time kiddo has worn two different sizes. It is not the first time he's been in sizes that didn't reflect his age. I remember Kiddo getting a 5 piece set in 9 months. It was so small he could wear it when he wore 3 months, which was a week after birth. In fact, the only thing Kiddo wore in "newborn" was socks (he's got tiny feet). 

There were a few times when he wore something that matched his age (18 months is such a catch all size he happened to wear it when he was close, but then quickly switched to 24.). For the most part, however, Kiddo is taller and thinner than most standard clothing sizes.

3T shorts & 2T shirt (grandad's boots)

I understand that need to have different standards for clothing sizes. There are some children who are just bigger than others and they need clothing that fits that is age appropriate. That said, the difference in clothing brand is significant.

For example, Nordstrom's clothes are always too small at his age (and pretty much everything they carry in that store). He would need to wear 3 or 4T at this point. Designer brands tend to run small - so if he gets Nautica or Janie & Jack, he can wear it for a little while before it gets packed away (Incidentally, Levi's, Nike, Lucky, and Kenneth Cole seem to be true to size.) Store brands vary greatly. Osh Kosh and Old Navy/Gap is true to size, where Babies R' Us can go either way. Carter's varies greatly between the lines - some are PERFECT for Kiddo, while others have too small of collars to go over his head, or the pants are waaaay too long for his short little legs. Gymboree is big. Always. It's like it's made for Norwegians. He is just now growing out of his 18-24 month Gymboree clothes. Garanimal clothes run big, but it varies depending on the piece (especially shirts). Generally those tend to be WIIIIDE and shorter compared to say, Gymboree clothes.

18 MO shirt & 24 MO shorts

It took me a year to get a handle on all these brands, and during that time (and every time I dress Kiddo) I am reminded how clothing sizes are crap. They really have nothing to do with you. They are based on a set of standards established with a select few fit models.

It is a good reminder as I go clothing shopping for myself. Now when I shop, I get like four or five different sizes. As long as I like the piece, I'll try it on to see if it will work for my body. Because just like kids' sizes, adult sizes are all different and they have nothing to do with anything. The goal is always to find something that looks good on my body, not to purchase a certain size.

Of course it is nice as I see a general shrinking trend  (Yay size 6!) but sometimes I buy a size 8 or 9. Sometimes I buy misses or juniors or ladies. It just depends. In shirts, I wear styles that range from small to large because of cuts and drapes. And it honestly doesn't matter. I don't care what the size is, as long as it looks good.