Caroline at 2 years

Dear Caroline,

I've been a little overwhelmed as to how to describe you at 2 years of age ~ You're complex....but we love you for it! So, I've compiled a list of your distinct characteristics that I never want to forget about you at two~

You have about 10 blankies - you are not usually partial to a particular one, but occasionally you'll ask for a certain one - "my lamb" or "my new one"

You love shoes and your pink flip flops are your favorite

You're hot or you're cold when it comes to cuddling - we have to let you initiate the cuddles most of the time

You're mostly a Mama's girl and act shy with strangers

You're always in the mood for silliness - especially with your daddy. You like him to jump out and scare you or to throw you in the air

You're a super sweet little mama to your babies - you shh, rock, pat, and bottle feed them. I even caught you rocking your new Barbie doll the other day:) We hope you love your new brother or sister this way, too!

You've been verbally expressive for months - saying complete sentences at 20 months old. You give us the "play-by-play" throughout the day ~ "I'm happy, Mommy" or "I'm hungry, Mommy" and the obvious - "I'm running, Mommy" or "I'm coloring"

You love your thumb - it's an obsession and a comfort. We try to encourage this habit only at bedtimes, but it's not working. However, you did tell your cousin Hayden to take his thumb out the other day because it wasn't night-night time

You love Mommy's earrings - the bigger, the better. You tell me, "Pretty earrings, Mommy."

The phrases I most hear you say: "I do it!" "Hi, Cooper." "Thanks"

You've always been a consistently good sleeper - napping 2-3 hours and sleeping 11-12 hours at night. Bless you, child!

You're sensitive and don't like being told "No" - OK, so you can throw a major tantrum including the high-pitched scream....but, it's usually over quickly

You already ask, "Why?"

You want to do whatever your brother does

You love to sing! "ABCs", "Twinkle, Twinkle", and "Jesus loves me", are some of your favorites. When your daddy asks you what song you'd like to sing, you tell him "Amazing Grace"

You think you're funny when you refer to me as "Miss Jenny" and when you call your daddy "Babe"

You're a busy little girl - you like to move from one activity or toy onto the next

You are our Pumpkin, Baby Girl, and Sister. Life is sweeter, fuller, and more joyful with you! We love you and thank God for you!

Friends and family, what do you think is distinctively Caroline? We welcome your thoughts!