Happy 2nd Birthday Riley Kate

My baby girl, you are two!

You are getting so big and we are so blessed to have a healthy little toddler in the house!

Mommy took you to see Dr. Phillips - your pediatrician this week - for your 2 year old check up. You were 33.4 pounds (97%) and 35 inches (75%). Dr. Phillips said that usually at 2 years old a child is half of their adult height. So, Riley, you might be 5'10". That means you would be taller than Mommy...wouldn't that be something!

I filled out your 2 year old questionnaire. It asks questions about your fine and gross motor skills, hearing and comprehending. You are doing everything right on target for your age EXCEPT your speaking...but that's okay. We are working on it and we know it will come...eventually.

You are doing things so different than your sister - like you can already jump with both feet off the ground (a skill Avery didn't master well after she was 2). You can do a flip on the floor (sometimes you go a little sideways but you are doing it!). I'm sure Avery could do it if she tried, but she's not as fearless in that department.

You are tough as nails! No joke. You bumped your head on the footboard of my bed the other day, you stepped back, said "Ooww", rubbed it with your hand and kept going. The next day you had a bruise in that same spot!

Your favorite activity is playing with your vast collection of puzzles. Thankfully your sister has passed some down and Mommy got a few new ones for you, but it's by far your favorite thing to do. You also LOVE to blow bubbles and it happens to be one of the few words you can say clearly. Your speech therapist says blowing bubbles is very good practice for your mouth. You still love to play with blocks or sorting toys. You will sit for a long time when you've got that 1 on 1 attention of someone playing with you.

You love books. Your favorites are some look and say books by Usborne. You like the School, Jobs, Town, Farm & Beach ones. We really have sat and gone through each one at least twice all at the same time. This is something your sister would have never done! Avery didn't like to sit still for a book until she was at least 3, so funny. I would have thought you guys would have been the opposite when it came to sitting still. But you crave that one on one and your sister is much more independent in that aspect. I love the differences between you two. It reminds me of the fine details that God has poured into each person...the little things that set us all apart from each other. So cool!

Your favorite foods right now are chicken nuggets, cereal, grilled cheese, frozen peas, applesauce, peanut butter crackers, fruit gummies, and veggie sticks. You are still a pretty good eater but I have noticed your appetite is not as hefty as it used to be. You are still eating pretty well but not nearly as much! That's a good thing I guess.

You have really enjoyed being at the pool this summer. You really aren't afraid of the water and you even dunk yourself when you are standing about waist deep. We didn't do swimmies at all this summer - I'm hoping that you won't get used to them and maybe you'll be able to swim a little next summer?? We'll see - no pressure though.

One more thing I have to say about you. Your laugh is so adorable. I don't think anyone could hear it and not laugh or smile. When you really get going it's just this deep belly giggle that is absolutely contagious. I love it!

You are an absolute joy to our family. Mommy, Daddy & Avery love you to pieces sweet girl! We are so thankful to everything you bring to our lives...it's only been 2 years, but we can hardly remember our lives without you! Happy Birthday sweet one!

Here is a video of RK laughing - ENJOY!


Riley Giggling from Amber Tittle on Vimeo.