You at Two

I just put my baby to bed on his second birthday. An hour from now, at 9:47 p.m., he will officially be two.

We celebrated our boy all weekend long. Last night, we had a birthday party at home in his honor. He ran around like a madman, stopping only briefly for the birthday song. He smiled so wide we had to sing it twice. After that? He was far too busy for cake or presents — he only wanted to play.

Today was more low-key. Pictures at Grandpa’s home studio, then Chinese food (he loves lo mein), followed by ice cream cake and a little dancing to the Beatles in the studio. Then it was home for bedtime. I read him a book in the rocking chair, and afterward, he snuggled in and gave me a rare, sweet hug — not something he usually does. I held him for as long as he’d let me (never long enough, mind you).

There’s so much to be proud of this year. From one to two, Caleb learned to crawl, then walk… and finally, run. Most recently, he’s started giving high fives — rapid-fire slaps on your hand — and just yesterday, he started giving kisses. I told Jerry that was the development I was most excited about. For me, it felt like a rare and tender show of affection from my sometimes-prickly little boy.

He’s loved music class and developed a real passion for music. When we put on his CD, he shrieks and laughs with anticipation as he waits for the first song to start. He dances (with two signature moves) and has taken a big interest in the many instruments they use in class.

He officially “graduated” from physical therapy right around Christmas. He learned so much, and we were sad to say goodbye to Miss Gail — but it was clear he no longer needed the help. When he finally took his first steps, I nearly cried. Honestly? It was such a long time coming. Our boy has made me proud this year with his resilience and tenacity.

If I had to choose one word to describe Caleb, it would be stubborn. But — like his mother (ahem) — his stubbornness is really just determination in disguise. That strong will usually gets him exactly what he wants, when he wants it. Even though he’s perfectly capable of feeding himself, he often insists we do it for him (yes, we’re working on it). He’ll even pick up his cup and hand it to Grandma — which is arguably more effort than lifting it to his own mouth.

If you haven’t gathered by now, Caleb is silly and incredibly funny. He lives to make people laugh. One of his favorite daily routines is sprinting up and down the hallway, slapping the wall, then turning around and doing it all again — laughing hysterically the entire time. He loves dogs (ours included), who receive a mix of loving pets and enthusiastic slaps. And he loves books — we often find him quietly flipping through pages in his room, content and curious.

This year has brought so much growth. On his first birthday, he was still very much a baby — not yet mobile. Today, on his second birthday, he’s a dancing, running, giggling lunatic. My silly, sweet boy.

To Caleb: you at two are wonderfully charming. You are wild, funny, and determined. I love you for your laughter, your high fives, your wild energy and mischievous grin. I love you more with each passing day, and I can’t wait to see who you become in the year ahead.

But for now, I will just love you at two.