My baby girl is almost 3! Whew, what a difference a year makes! (I'm pretty sure I've said that before.) Daniella Rose is an independent little spitfire. She's still as decisive as ever. She's Little Miss Bossy. She's tenacious. And she wants what she wants when she wants it. 
Though we definitely went through some "textbook 2's" this past year, many times it was tough to distinguish what was "terrible 2" and what was her personality. I know one thing for sure: Daniella Rose isn't a shrinking violet. And I wouldn't have my tough cookie--who also happens to be a Mama's Girl--any other way!
Like when she went to a board meeting with me for Reach Out and Read,an early literacy organization I'm involved with. She walked into the board room and didn't hesitate ... beelined for a chair, sat down and pulled herself up to the table! She proceeded to sit there throughout the hour-long meeting. Of course I had snacks and activities to keep her occupied, but she especially loved "joining in the conversation," nodding and repeating things people were saying. I was so proud of her! I can remember thinking: With her comfort level in the board room, she could give Trump a run for his money!
When I took her to the dance studio to sign her up for her first class, she didn't want to observe little girls her age dancing, she threw a fit--she wanted to go in and dance with them! Then she proceeded to throw herself into a heap in the lobby of the studio, refusing to leave, sreaming at me, "I want to do ballet, Mommy!" The director took one look at her wet little face and said, "That's a good sign."
I couldn't agree more. I don't know who was more excited when she took her first little combo class, Mommy or Daniella. She's been "doing ballet" around the house ever since and her current favorite book is "Ballet Bunnies." Both of us can't wait to get back in the studio, especially for the Mommy and Me class!
In the meantime, I'm prepping for her Pretty in Pink Poolside birthday party, hoping she officially potty trains someday and admiring the hell out of her ambition as she said to me the other day: "When I grow up, I want to be a doctor and Michael Jackson." Happy 3rd birthday, my gorgeous girl!
