Kennedy Turned Two

And yes, we haven't even celebrated it yet even though it was two weeks ago. I justified it by saying that since she was born the day after Christmas that it was anti-climactic to have a party, but the longer I let it go I think I am in denial that my little wee is growing up. I'm feeling rushed with her babyness creeping away from me each day. I felt like I leisurely watched Ceece grow up and enjoyed each stage, but it took me almost a year to start savoring Kennedy's day-to-day changes. Not because I didn't enjoy her, quite the opposite, but because there was so much going on all the time. I'm so grateful year two slowed down because I have loved her scrumptious ways this year so much. Here is my snapshot of Kennedy from this last year.

• Kennedy has quite possibly the softest skin I have ever felt. Honestly, it is so smooth and blemish-free you feel like licking her.
• Claire said to me the other day that Kennedy's cheeks smell like pie and guess what, they do, ALL THE TIME.
• Kennedy loves her extended family and she really knows that they are hers. Aunt Shari is her favorite, but her uncles don't come far behind. You can always find her sidled up to one of them on the couch, just trying to be unobtrusive, but close.
• Kennedy was a slow starter with the walking thing, she waited until well into her first year to take her first steps and the first time she walked Dave and I had to laugh, there was no tottering, but perfect stability. In fact, she walked across the room, bent down and picked up a toy and then turned around and walked right back to us.
• Claire and Kens are just starting to be good friends, but have had a promise of a connection for quite some time. Ceece told me a few months ago that when Kennedy turns two she will be her best friend.
• The Claire/Kens connection is apparently telepathic, too. Driving in the car the other day, I overheard Claire whispering to herself. I asked her what she was saying and she said that she was telling Kennedy, who was at Aunt Shari's to "be brave, we are almost home." I asked her if Kennedy could understand her from far away and she looked at me quizzically and said, "Of course."
• Kennedy has a grin that will melt your heart. She holds it a second too long each time and then if you are really lucky she will even cock her head to one side and keep that grin a-going. It is quite possibly the most adorable thing ever.
• Kens hasn't picked up on talking that quick either which might be due to the fact that she is tongue-tied, but she uses her few words well, especially "No!". She can literally thrust this word at you like no other, especially when you take her food from her.
• Kens has this irresistible trait of caressing your head or rubbing your back. Out of nowhere, she will get her little hands and smooth your hair or pat you on the back. I love it.
  
• My favorite Kennedy phrase is "I want bone." which means I want a drumstick, but close behind is "I dress." which means that she is about to strip naked and start afresh, usually just putting on Claire's underwear, even though we haven't started potty training yet.
  
• Kennedy loves food. Much to Dave's chagrin, over Christmas her aunts started calling her Big K. She lost some of her curves but still has enough squishiness to go round.
  
• Kennedy is independent and, just like Big Sis, has a definite point of view. When she doesn't get her way she throws a very sedated, slow-motion tantrum. She will un-spontaneously lay herself on the ground, avoiding any trauma from a quick fall, and let out a delayed deliberate howl.
  
• Kennedy loves animal--"a-meow" (a cat) or Stu, her cousins dog, being among her favs. She is gentle with them and never afraid. She will follow them around for hours or try to cajole them into sitting next to her by patting the ground with her hand.
  
• Kennedy, thank heavens, is still a good napper. She takes two each day. She is so good in fact, that I haven't taken away her paci, despite what I promised in Looking Back, for fear that she will leave me hanging with one nap a day, like Claire did.
  
• Kens is a daddy's girl. You can always find her running to him arms out-stretched or following behind him saying, "I go".
  
• She is my eager to laugh, eager to cuddle, and eager get going girl and I love her like crazy.
  
  Happy birthday, my little wee, whenever I get around to celebrating it.