Just after Christmas Bubsi turned two. Yes, two. That is so old. Well, not really of course. Still it seems like just yesterday that Bubsi came to us on that cold winter night 2014 (it really was the first night with frost that winter!).

Festive season

I never wanted to have kids born around Christmas. Of any season, it is arguably the worst. There are sad stories of kids who get less presents because hey, it is Christmas too. When they get older, having birthday parties on your birthday is nearly impossible, what with everyone gone for the holidays.

Alas, Bubsi wanted to come early and chose just after Christmas over the New Year. For now, most of the birthday party and present worries do not yet apply, as she is still so young. We simply had a very nice day with yummy cake from Grandma D.

Cutting the cake

Cognitive jumps

With Bubsi’s birthday I suddenly realized how big she has grown. She is no longer a little helpless baby that needs me for everything and anything. In fact, I would say that right around her second birthday, Bubsi made a few mental leaps.

Nowadays, she can tell her three native languages (German, English, Romanian) apart. She knows what Papa understands and what I understand. Talking incessantly is her new ballgame – usually very cute and funny, sometimes it does get annoying. Especially when she is attempting to negotiate with us and we won’t have it. For example, she will ask to watch a short clip before brushing her teeth. And another and another. Or she wants to have a different food than what is on the table. Being firm and saying no is… asking for tantrum. Still, it is amazing she can now stand up for herself and express her wishes.

Physical feats

Also physically there have been some new developments. Bubsi is actively practicing jumping and jogging these days. “Swimming” at the pool or in the bathtub is great fun! So is toddler dancing. She signals all her pees and bowel movements and sometimes can wait if there is no chance to visit the loo immediately. Often, she is okay if I limit her nursing time and offer water after. If so inclined, she keeps herself busy playing with her toys for hours without intervention.

Papa, the new bestie

At two years old, something else has changed: Papa is the new bestie! She loves him these days and would love to do everything with him rather than with me. Dancing to music? Papa! Playing with trains? Papa! Papa works, so him having to say no is not always easy. But it is nice to see them bond so much. And to no longer have to do it all, of course!

Papa eat with me!