and now she is two!

A cold, cold January 5th. Clouds, big puffy clouds roll in and roll right out again. Winter. A dreamy kind of day. Cornflower, with whipped cream. Or is it a Snowdrop with whipped cream?

Breakfast. Frothy, steamy milk in coffee. A hot beginning to a cold day.








No big outings today. You stay indoors as much as you can.

When I do drive out to pick up Snowdrop from school, I veer toward the lesser lake. No ice fishers out there. Just those big, dozy clouds and the cold cold air.







Snowdrop is two years old today. And she knows it! Others in her class have had birthdays already, today it's her turn. (Her mommy bakes cupcakes and I smile at how many times there will be class cupcakes to bake over the years!)

As I come into the school house, I hear Snowdrop say to one of her friends -- this is my grandma.

Say what?? "Gaga" has come and gone??

Perhaps she knows that I am not ready to let go of her littleness because she tells me, almost reassuringly -- This way, grandma. There's gaga's car.






At the farmhouse, Ed is, as always looking for ways to break rules. They take apart the floor as I watch helplessly.






And then, Snowdrop joyously returns to her play foods.






Our big girl! So toddlerish just a year ago. So tall and poised now.






(Ed takes this photo as we set up train tracks from extra bits and pieces.)






But she abandons all play when Ed puts on a film clip of a train puffing and tooting along a scenic landscape. A real train -- now that's something else!






She naps. She wakes up curious, hopeful...






She spots the hats, ribbons. She wants to try them on. All of them. Finally she settles on pink.






I bring out presents. I want to open them!
No, not until after dinner.
Open one present now?
No Snowdrop.
Just this one present?






The young family comes, Ed brings home the pizzas, we all wear hats. Except for Snowdrop who decides hatless is cooler. She may be right...






A toast to the awesome parents...






And then there is that cake -- with strawberries and cream, because she loves strawberries and cream.






Yet she realizes the solemnity of the occasion as well...






I can see her becoming one of those (like me!) who takes birthday wishes seriously.

...though she never strays too far from her playful self.






And there are the presents -- more challenging toys for the growing girl. I'm amused by this one -- Ed picked it and it's so very right for her given her own dad's love of baseball. She is eager to begin!






But of course, all play must wait. It's late and, too, it's a school night. The young family bundles up (and bundle they must! It's cold out there) and heads home.


Such a milestone day, coming on the heels of so many other milestones. Or, maybe with children, it's pointless to talk of simple milestones? Maybe each day is a leap onto a wonderful new stage? So much to discover, to learn, to love, to laugh about! So much!

Happy birthday, Snowdrop. May your third year glitter and glow with happiness and love.