Exploring Womanhood > Journals > Growing Together: A Journal From Mother to Daughter > Entries

Entry #2 ~ December 30, 2001
~ One, Two

Dear Charon,

It is the end of the year, and I am marveling at how much you've grown.

Last December, you had only been walking for about three months. You were cautious, still testing your steps, not testing your limits. You'd get upset when you'd fall down unexpectedly.

Now you can run, even in your clunky boots over the snow. You climb ladders, whisk down slides, and jump up and down. You have several dance moves now, including the side-to-side sway, the shoulder shrug, the excited hop, the twirling arms, and the march. When you fall down, you reassure me, "All better. Try again."

Last year, you didn't know the word "mine" yet. You'd look at another child with astonishment when he'd take your toy away, and sometimes start to cry. (But if it was your good friend Ben, you'd laugh at him and watch for what neat thing he was going to do next!)

Now you look out for yourself. "Charon's!" and "Me turn!" are some of your favorite phrases. You are willing to share, as long as I'm right there to help make sure the other kid knows the rules.

I remember painting Valentines with you last February. It was the first time I noticed you didn't worry when some of it would get on your fingers. (Usually you'd say, "Mess!" which meant you were all done and wanted me to get a washcloth to clean up.) You had such a big smile on your face as you wielded the brush. You were getting into it!

The other day, you suggested, "Painting now?" We got out the paints and some sponges to use as brushes. You started out on the paper, but most of it ended up on your hands. You explored, squishing those little sponges to see what the paint would do. When you were done, you trotted to the bathroom, pulled out your stepstool, and turned on the water to wash your hands, all by yourself.

Your favorite game last winter was playing open and close. You'd open the door to your Little People barn, put an animal inside, close the door, open it again, take it back out. Sometimes you'd knock. You loved it when Daddy or I would play with you, adding silly elements to the game, like having the animals peek into the windows to say, "Anybody home??" in a silly voice.

Now your favorite pastime is using your imagination. You love to act out daily tasks, or the stories you learn from books and videos. I am Dora the Explorer and you are Boots the Monkey. Daddy is the Prince and you are Dopey. Grandpa is Tinky Winky and you are Po. In the middle of the living room, we save baby birds, go through the spooky forest, and take boats down a river. We make music, dance and sing songs. We build castles and Christmas trees with blocks and blankets. We fix flashlights and catch falling stars.

Last year you were one, and now you are two. You are growing up. You make my life so fun. You are my wonderful daughter, and I love you very much.

Mom