Happy 2nd Birthday, Mya!

Mya, you are two years old. I can't quite wrap my head around that one. You are a two year old in so many ways, but I still see you as my sweet little, whiny baby that loved to snuggle close.

Speak in three word (sometimes more) sentences.
Use sign language to communicate at times--Daddy wasn't quite sure what you were doing, but thankfully, my limited repertoire enabled me to decipher!
You love to read books. Your favorites right now are "Chicka Chicka Boom Boom," "One moose, Twenty Mice," "Winnie the Pooh and the Honeypot," "Pinkalicious," and "No, David!" You are so funny as you get excited about each as if it were the first time you heard the story. When we read "No David!," you always do the actions or say something appropriate on each page--such as "bum bum" or "p.u." It is so sweet.
You have been sleeping in your big girl bed (double bed) for a few months now. Daddy and I lay on our bed waiting for you and Claire to go to sleep. You rarely lay quietly. Typically, you constantly say "Hi Daddy, Hi Mommy"  and sometimes "Hi Daddy Momma." That seems to be your clever way of getting us both at one shot.
Mya, you have always been "the outgoing one." The one who is afraid of nobody and will go to anyone. You would greet everyone you saw and showed no fear when it came to climbing objects, falling down or trying something new. That has changed a bit. You've recently begun to stay a bit closer when approached by others, warmed a bit more slowly to strangers and shown a fear with animals especially. You were not impressed with the Aquarium in Guam. Big dogs are not on your list of potential friends and you aren't fond of taxidermied animals (can't say I am either ;). Although I appreciate the new reservation you've shown to strangers (Your Daddy and I would marvel at how you'd reach to those who reached for you or approach strangers to say a friendly "hi." Needless to say, you were never far from our reach :), I do hope that you step outside your comfort zone. Some of the greatest experiences in life come from doing just that. Stepping away from the known and into that scary, new place. Look at our life in Korea, had we stayed in Massachusetts, we'd have missed out on this wonderful adventure, would have never met these great friends we're surrounded by and traveled to the wonderful places we have and will travel. It was a scary move, but I am so, so, so happy that we took the leap.
You have a wonderful Korean teacher, Ms. Minan. She is so kind and tickled that you can say her name correctly. No other child is able. She giggles each time it comes from  your mouth. Ms. Minan speaks alot of Korean to you. I often wonder how much you've come to understand. Your Daddy and I laugh each time you come across a Korean person who speaks to you. You stop and listen while they speak and frequently bow, showing respect and nod your head as if you understand. It is hilarious. You've even bowed to us a few times. You are certainly a product of this environment. Thankfully, Korean culture is one focused on children and love for the family. We've been fortunate as all people love on you as well as Claire.
Speaking of school, you also have a teacher, Ms. Mindy who loves on you constantly. She also babysits from time to time, so you have a special love for her too. Ms. Mindy does your hair daily. She is able to do what you do not allow your Momma. However, you now try to do your Momma's hair, grabbing it, twisting it and brushing it from side to side. It is pretty cute too.
I haven't worried about "teaching" you per say. You are following in your sister's tracks and seem to be keeping up with what she did at your age, so I am not concerned. You can count to 10--missing a number or 2 at times, you know the sounds a few letters make (thanks to Leapfrog Fridge Phonics), and you know all your body parts, including "chin, elbow, cheek, tongue, knee."  I've done a few fine motor tasks with tracing, putting small objects in different containers, matching colors and objects, and basic coloring. You hold the pencil/crayon correctly (tripod grip). Language is not a concern. You know countless words, point to all objects on command and use 3 word sentences. You ask questions and make statements as you should. You love, love, love to sing songs. You know so many of them that even I am surprised when you start singing sometimes. Obviously they sing and do little hand/finger plays at school with you. Some of those that I can recall quickly are: ABC's, Itsy, Bitsy Spider; Row Your Boat; Happy Birthday (which you love to sing to each of us daily, putting in our names as appropriate); Where is Thumbkin; and Oh Suzanna. It is funny, I was so concerned about putting you in a CDC. Initially, I thought it was such a bad fit for you, but it has turned out to be such a blessing. You've learned far more than I could have ever hoped and you've been blessed with loving teachers who truly love you like their own.
We took away your paci three weeks ago and I fear the paci has been replaced with whining. At times you have been challenging to say the least! We've begun using a sticker system, primarily for Claire's sake, but you love the thrill of earning a sticker. Hopefully that will be our link to successful potty training as that is next on the docket.
You are an absolute joy. We love the faces and expressions you use to amuse us. No one can spark an attitude better than you. You have a great little sense of humor and are always trying to upstage your sister, whether it be chiming in with something that you know, whispering sweet nothings in our ears, or climbing in our laps before she is able. You love to be in the middle. We love you to be there as well. You add such spice to our lives. We love you, "Mya mooshki" or as Claire has taken to calling you, "Mya papaya." Happy, happy birthday!