Alexis - 27 Months

Dear Lexi,

It's official. The Terrible Twos are upon us. I remember so much of this very frustrating, yet totally endearing, age with your sister - but you are an entirely different child, and as such, present entirely different challenges! For example, your sister LOVED being in the stroller, and was never what parents termed 'a runner.' You? Oh yes. You are most definitely a runner. You are pretty good at understanding that we either hold hands or you go in the stroller, but the whole 'go in the stroller' part never gets accomplished without tears. You are MUCH more physical than your sister ever was; climbing play-structures with ease, which makes my heart stop a bit considering how far the fall is for such a wee girl! You love to climb anything in fact - tables being a big one, particularly naked while dancing (yes, I wonder about your future career sometimes). You love to be defiant, just for the sake of being defiant. Mercedes has something? You want it. Holden has something? You want it. Duke has something? You want it. Mommy or Daddy is eating something? You most DEFINITELY want it. You want to be super independent and have your hands in everything that goes on... diaper changes, meal times, getting into your high chair, laundry, unlocking the car, getting dressed, etc, etc. What should take 10 minutes takes upwards of half an hour. What should be fun, often isn't.

Sounds like a drag right? But the naked table dancing is hilariously entertaining. Your hugs are still the best. Your eyes light up with pure glee when you are playing (nicely) with your siblings. You absolutely adore when Duke gives you kisses. You say 'pease' and 'dank you' so sweetly it melts my heart. You insist on carrying a small pile of books with you to and from EVERY room - which, while it can be frustrating, is so darn cute! The 'reading' you do is even better.

I know that part of your behaviour is age-related, and a large part of it is hopefully two-year-molar related. I know it's a phase, and that this challenging stage will pass, just like all of the other challenging stages before, only to be replaced by some new way to be defiant and oppositional and independent. It's a part of growing, and learning, and becoming a little person. So while I may get frustrated at how long it takes to get three kids ready to leave the house, or how much of a mess you make when you are eating, or how difficult you can be when I ask you to do just about ANYTHING - I love the personality you so clearly have. Middle child? For sure. But a delightful, charming, happy, feisty, loving middle child. Now if only I could keep a straight face when disciplining you and your big brown eyes and incredibly crazy hair.

Love,

Mommy