Leila Turns 2

Leila turned 2! It seems like she has been throwing temper tantrums since the day she was born, so in a way, it is nice to be able to brush off her fiestiness as just part of the terrible two's.

Here are some of the things I have learned about her lately:

1. She has a serious My Little Pony addiction.
2. Any soft stuffed animal makes her happy, and she carries a bag around full of them.
3. Leila has an intense love of animals and music.
4. Food she deems edible (and believe me, the list is short) is also usually dance-worthy.
5. She likes making funny faces.
6. If she could be the star of Big Fish, she would be. Water, is like breathing to her. She needs it to feel peace and is constantly trying to climb into the shower with me.
7. Mac and Cheese is inedible unless it is Kraft Easy Mac. I don't know why. I can't explain it.
8. Sliced strawberries are also inedible. After watching my BFF Emily feed her a TON of strawberries that I could never get her to eat, I realized the only difference was that the strawberries were whole! Picky, picky.
9. Although she thrives on independence, she really really likes  needs physical touch.
10. Since she has trouble regulating her body temperature, if there is a hot tub by the swimming pool that she can use to warm up, she can swim all day.

Here are some pictures for your viewing pleasure.

Mid-spin

In their Sunday best - probably one of my favorite pictures!

The pig-tails...so cute!

Costa Vida Rice and Beans have made her "edible" list

My water baby enjoying grapes after a long swim

I love everything about this picture. This is her post-drumstick face.

She loves skateboarding with Daddy

The Diva in her favorite place at the park.

The sleepy girl on her birthday

For her birthday, we celebrated by going to Black Bear Diner so she could have whipped cream and strawberries on her waffles. It was a fail! It must have been because the strawberries were sliced. ;)

We got her a bubble machine for her birthday. Excellent purchase. It has already gotten a TON of use.

Just some of her shenanigans. She fights so hard to be independent and ultimately, things like this happen.

Her favorite outfit.

Her My Little Pony collection is growing thanks to Auntie Beth!

This My Little Pony shirt was a gift she just opened and immediately wanted to put on over her birthday dress.

Blowing out her candles.

Anyone who knows me knows that raising Leila is the hardest thing I have ever done. She is spirited, independent, and knows exactly what she wants. Her trouble communicating (more on this to come) has just enhanced the problem for us.

HOWEVER

As I have changed my focus and started to treat her more apparent qualities as real strengths, instead of inconveniences, I am starting to really gain an appreciation and love for who she is. And with that appreciation, our relationship is healing. I know she is 2, but I almost feel like she is meeting me halfway. Instead of a continuous power struggle, there has been a lot more love and enjoyment. When I posted on Facebook on her birthday, I said, "You are the hardest thing I have ever done, and I thank God for you every day." I meant it. I am so grateful for this confident and strong willed little girl. She has the ability to be tough and sweet at the same time, and in a world like we are living in, I know she will be a strength to those around her. In fact, I had the chance to go back and read part of the words from her Baby Blessing that I wrote down.

"...We want to bless you with faith, courage and strength as you are here on the earth during the last days. We bless you to be a beacon to those around you, both to friends and family and that you will be the light that others are looking for...."

It wasn't until I re-read these words that I really gained some perspective into who she is. The fiestiness...that is actually strength, isn't it? Knowing what she wants and going for it? Courage. She is so strong and I think she is going to need to be, to be a beacon. Reading this has really changed my perspective with what I would have called her "lesser" qualities a few months ago. I just hope that I can raise her in a way that promotes these strengths, but mostly that I can just keep out of her way long enough to let her grow into who she is meant to be. Leila, I love you. Happy 2nd Birthday.