Two

Two years ago we welcomed you, our 2nd daughter. You joined your older sister, and three older brothers. I had no idea we were having a daughter. No feelings, inklings or dreams of whether we were to meet a son or daughter. The one and only dream I did have was an image of me in a pool of water, holding a baby in my arms, and a feeling of happiness. What made me laugh was all I could see of the baby was from the belly button up.

I wanted a surprise and I was going to get it.

I have never cared what sex our children were. When you, our baby was still snug inside me I only wanted a healthy baby, as we all hope for.

Born in water, in our cosy loungeroom, siblings there to greet you with smiles and laughter. Caught by Daddy. I turned around to take you into my arms and Hub turned our baby towards me and I could see we had another daughter. I was overwhelmed with joy. I know had two beautiful girls. Girls that would always have a sister, there for eachother.

Lets not sell the 3 brothers short though. They all adore you, and have such patience with you, it is wonderful to see. Brothers who treat you so well, and so lovely that when it comes time for you to start thinking about possible suitors the bar will be set high. I like this. I can only hope that by being treated with such great love and respect all my children will not settle for anything less.

What would a post be without a photo of the birthday girl and her daddy. I have so many photos of you asleep on your daddy, and that is with me taking them once in a while. For at least your first year all you wanted was mummy. Sure you'd settle for daddy if I was not there, but if I was there, it was me you would go to.

The last year has seen you feeling ready to go more to daddy, and this has been great for us all. Mummy was able to breathe a bit better while being pregnant, while you snuggled with daddy which he loved, loves.


Two years also marks another special anniversary for us. Two years of breastfeeding. I know in Utopia it would be no big deal. Most children would be breastfed for at least 2 years.

In our world, it is a big deal. I feel so pleased to have reached this milestone, for the first time with you.

More knowledge, support from other mothers who have been there, and studying to be a breastfeeding doula/counsellor made a huge difference to achieving this goal.

Now with your little sister, I am amazed at how I can nurture you and her, and have plenty of milk for you both.

Without making it all lovely. You can also drive me bonkers. Insisting on being in the bathroom with me every time I go there. And when I am in there and stuck you will try, and sometimes succeed in grabbing a toilet roll and kick it along the floor and out the door. Helping me with anything in the kitchen, which involves making the process go twice as long. Pulling all the folded laundry off the couch so you can jump on it.

Reaching a note so high when screaming I am sure my ears will burst. Scaring the pants off me when I turn my back for two seconds, only to turn back and you are sitting on your baby sister.

I should say though that I know how much you love her. Always trying to kiss and cuddle her. You will lean on her to kiss her on the cheek. Bubby not too keen on that.

Sometimes when I have saved your sister for the 10th time in a day I will sigh and tell you how much you drive me bonkers. You laugh and tell me "You bonka Mumma" and I will laugh.

You also, like all children, love to mimic Daddy and I when we are telling on of the other kids to do something. We might tell them to brush their teeth. You will yell, quite loudly too "Brush your teeth boys, right NOW!!" It is hard not to laugh. It is quite cute to see such a loud roar from such a little cub.

You make yourself heard, despite being so little. Your place in the family is well made, and you don't let anyone forget it.

We wouldn't have it any other way.

As much as I prefer for you to stay little, I am looking forward to the next year, and the joy you will bring to our family.