Terrible, terrific twos

Our big girl has grown up so much lately!  She really does seem like a two-year-old, for better and for worse!    

Her verbal communication skills blow our minds daily, with phrases like "I need a longer piece [of tape]," "Carry both girls, Mommy," "My shoes go in there," "I hold on tight -- both hands," etc.  

Recently, mom and dad started getting an audibly tongue-in-cheek "Whyyyyyy?" about every statement.  So far, we've been able to avoid responding, "Because I said so!" but that is probably in our future.  She has picked up on her parents' frequent phrase of "Here you go," but it sounds more like "Geh guh go!" coming from Bernie, or, more recently, "Here de go!"  Some other adorable mispronunciations include "cucamunga" (cucumber) and "mycin" (medicine).  We also really enjoy her adult-isms, such as "You're welcome," "I'm fine," and "You too!" (when someone says "Have a nice evening").

She has also become very tricky, turning on and off the waterworks at the drop of a hat (or blueberry), stalling bathtime and bedtime with made-up requests ("I need a piece of toast") and inquiries ("What's this?" about every mundane object).    

When mom and dad don't understand what she wants -- or if we do understand but won't acquiesce -- tantrums can quickly brew, usually culminating in loud crying/shrieking, throwing of objects, and an intense melodramatic anguish.

She is also taking baby steps (toddler steps?) toward using the potty.  She loves her books about the potty (gifts from Cousin (Mi)Kayla) and has had some exciting successes, although also some impulsive movements involving splashing mom with pee ... not sure what to do about that one.  

Big sister loooves her little sister, Tilly!  Her face lights up when she exclaims "Hi, Tilly!",  "High-five, Tilly!" and "Wanna sacky, Tilly?" (Sacky is Bernie's special blanket and most treasured item in the world, so this is a very generous gesture.)  She gives Tilly lots of kisses, rubs her head, and says "I love you, Tilly!  Good night, Tilly!"

She is also very sweet and caring toward her parents, admonishing us to be "Careful!  Use two hands!" brushing our hair, patting our backs, washing our faces, and forcing us to eat food (often mixed with other, non-complementary foods), although she hates it when we lay down, close our eyes, or stay warm with blankets.

She really keeps us on our (cold) toes.  When we really need a break, Elmo (her third parent) does an excellent job of filling the void.  Aside from Elmo, she also loves her family and friends who visit her and is generally a very outgoing little girl, although she was terrified of the friendly fireman ("Too big!  Scary!").   We love our little boundary-tester so much!