It's hard to believe our Ann Bennett is two years old. The days are long, very long, with this little one in tow, but the years are certainly short. Daily, our girl gives us a run for our money and brings me to my knees in prayer, but there are so many smiles and laughs in between that I couldn't imagine life without her wild, stubborn, and relentless spirit.
AB is really talking up a storm these days, speaking in full sentences. Most of the things that she says, and how she says them, have us rolling. Her favorite word at the moment is "no." I hear it all day, every day. She will even say no, when she really means yes. It is always accompanied by a furrowed brow. She's definitely got the "mean mug" down pat.
She can count to ten and can sing the ABCs. But, if you ask her to point to a certain letter, she isn't able to. Nor can she identify colors. Except for pink. Girlfriend loves pink. She also loves her pa-pa (paci) and lovies, specifically her hot pink owl lovey. She loves to play with her babies, her beloved purple purse, and any toy that makes music. She is so musically inclined, she can recite every song and nursery rhyme that she has heard. Most nights when we "rock rock" we go down the list, singing them until we can sing no more.
Little Miss also loves to eat. She is such a great eater. She especially loves green beans, steak, peas, gummies, mushrooms, and cheese. A lot of times at dinner she will say, "I don't like that. I don't want this supper," while shoving her plate away, but she ends up eating every last bite and requesting more. After seconds or thirds, she finishes off Brooks' leftovers! She is a growing girl!
Speaking of growing, at her two year well check-up, AB weighed 29 pounds 15 ounces and was 36 3/4 inches tall. She took her finger prick and shots like a champ. For as dramatic she is, this was a pretty painless appointment. Until I took away her sucker. Then it was game. on.
Annie has tantrums on the reg. If you look at her the wrong way, she will wail and flail. She is SO sensitive. Disciplining her has been really difficult. We are still trying to find something that works and doesn't end with a complete meltdown. We are especially having a hard time with the way she points in our face and talks back. She yells with such vigor, I wonder at times if she is possessed by the devil! It is always her way or the highway. We will say, "Sissy, look at that puppy dog!" and she will respond with "No! That's not a puppy dog. That's a kitty cat!" (or something along these lines). After pleading with her that it is a dog, we just throw in the towel and call it a cat. She is a really tough child to parent. We are learning and growing every day and are thankful for God's grace and wisdom. Without it, we would be so lost in Ann Bennett's world.
AB is a great sleeper. She sleeps 12+ hours a night (sometimes sleeping in until 8:00/8:30) and naps for 2-3 hours per day. Can I get an amen? She loves her sleep. She will even tell me when she is tired and asks to lay down to take a nap. Who is this child?! She is still sleeping in her crib and not once has tried to climb out. Knock on wood. I plan to keep her in the crib for another year. If it ain't broke, don't fix it!
Some other random thoughts and notes on our precious girl:
If it is quiet, she is always up to something. Drawing on the couch? Taking scissors to my fiddle leaf fig? Probably. She adores big brother Brooks. They are playing so well together these days. If brother does it, she does too. Or at least, attempts to. She is a daddy's girl through and through, but as of late, she prefers me. She is constantly asking, "Where's Mommy?" She never loses sight of me and will scream my name until I reappear. She's got killer dance moves. Hates hair in her eyes, so prefers a bow. And she loves to be the center of attention.
Ann Bennett, we love you so much. Really, you are one of my greatest gifts and I thank God every day for your precious life. It is an honor to be your Mommy. Happy Birthday, beautiful girl.
