a thing or two about olive

Can you really be two years old? I've been resisting this post knowing that I need to document the amazing child that I have, but part of me has not wanted to let it sink in how big she's getting. I've contemplated the idea of deferring this 2 year update to Chas but even though he is her favorite and he knows her as well as I do, he doesn't get the incredible chance to be with her EVERY day. Some days I wish we could trade with him, other days I just want to sleep, but most days I wake up refreshed and lay in bed waiting for her to stir awake and call for me. Knowing that I have limited days to giver her my undivided attention has made me gain an appreciation for all of our moments together. Here is what Olive has been up to as a 2 year old.

Talking: the girl can talk, question, concern, deliberate and practically debate with us. It was a shock the day she learned out to ask "Why?". She is expressive beyond belief and it is baffling to be able to hear what is going on in her head. She is concerned with our well being and always asking, "you happy dad?". She is great at following a negative with a positive."I don't like nana's, I like grapes". Something I'm working on.

O: "That's dad's phone".
Me: "Oh yah, give it to mom so we don't drop it."
O: "It's not your phone, it's daddy's. I give to him not you."
Me: "Oh really..."
She has always been very aware of whose stuff is whose and now she can verbalize this.

"I want cereal". This is something I hear everyday, at least its not pancakes.

Here is a car conversation on the way to the farm:
O: "We're going Mema and Papi farm?"
Me: "Yah"
O: "It's far away?"
Me: "Yah"
O: "There doggies at Mema's?"
Me: "Yah"
O: "No! No! Reggie, No! No! Polly. Don't lick my hand." (giggle)

As you can tell she didn't get her conversation skills from me. But she has learned how to scold the doggies from me.

Running: When she is well, her pitter-patter can be heard all through the house. She never walks; she runs and it has now evolved into a lovely stride.

Helping: she loves to unload the dishwasher and wipe things off. She can clean her room and always asks, "I'm helping you mom?".

Here is Olive in a flower field down the street from the farm.