My sweet Chloe Grace is two years old. I simultaneously cannot believe we ever lived a day without her, but also feel like she was being put in my arms yesterday. Motherhood is truly a wild ride – things come at you fast and you feel like time is slipping through your fingers, but you also look forward to every new phase and can’t wait to see them grow and learn more!

I have to say that 2 years old is a very fun age. Her little personality is shining through and she makes Rob and I laugh all the time – often unintentionally. Case in point – any time Chloe sees an older woman with white/grey hair, she says, “Hi, grandma!” She knows that woman is not her grandma, but she also knows what a “grandma” looks like in her picture books. It always cracks me up and I’m forever grateful to the older women who seem to get a kick out of it, too.

When Chloe was a baby, she was slightly delayed when it came to crawling. Then, when it was time to walk, she hadn’t quite figured it out and we were a bit concerned we may have to seek out some therapy to catch her up. Looking at her now, you’d think this was a completely different child. Chloe not only walks and runs with ease, but she is a master climber. She can climb out of her crib despite all obstacles we put in her way (more on that later), as well as any object, tower or playset that she comes across. At the playground, she insists on going to the playset for older kids and going down the “big slide.” I spot her on the way up, but honestly, she’s got it down. However, given that her uncle is an expert rock climber, I suppose we shouldn’t be that surprised.

Chloe is also incredibly precocious. She talks non-stop and doesn’t know a stranger. She loves to count, sing, dance, and play any game that involves her being lifted off the ground. She also really enjoys making choices. If it’s snack time, she wants to “pick one!” If I’m offering her blueberries, she wants to “pick one!” If there is an option to be had, she wants it. She also insists on doing everything herself, regardless of her ability. This can be challenging, particularly when mom or dad have to intervene and frustration sets in, but she is a toddler, and this is just her way of learning about the world and developing some independence. Things have gotten much easier with her expanding vocabulary because she can express herself a bit better. Recently, after she cries, she says, “Chloe crying” or “Chloe sad”. That will certainly break your heart in two, but I appreciate that she is able to start voicing how she feels.

A recent big milestone we’ve hit is the “big girl bed”. Thanks to her excellent climbing skills, it became unsafe to keep her in the crib. During her 2 year doctor appointment, I asked the pediatrician for some advice on how to keep her in the crib, and she said, “It sounds like Chloe is done with the crib.” I cringed at the thought, but she was right. Most children transition out of the crib between 3 and 4, but Chloe is beating the curve on this one. Last night was the first night and she stayed in bed the whole time. (Note: She had a fever and was exhausted, but I’m calling it a win!)

All of these big transitions feel overwhelming sometimes. Not only because I get worried about rocking the boat and changing up the routine, but it also means that Chloe is growing up! I ache for those baby cuddles and yet can’t wait for her hit the next big milestone (let’s go, potty training!) I suppose motherhood is just a constant state of living in this in-between, and hopefully finding the joy in both.

I am so proud of the little person Chloe is becoming and I can’t wait to see what this next year will bring. I am also immensely grateful to be her mom and I can confidently say that, even with all the ups and downs, it’s the best job I’ve ever had.