Two Years, Too Soon

It really is quite remarkable.  Where have the last two years gone?

When Mimi arrived...

• we lived in Manhattan
• our apartment was 600 sq ft and had no parking
• Sumie was a nephrology fellow
• I was still working at Kumon
• we had no idea how to raise an infant

Now that Mimi is two...

• we live in San Francisco
• our house has multiple bedrooms and parking spots
• Sumie is a nephrology attending
• I am a stay-at-home dad
• we have no idea how to raise a toddler

Yes, we've come a long way (except where parenting is concerned), and Mimi's made it a remarkable journey.  So, when it came to her second birthday, despite originally claiming we wouldn't do anything, Mimi made out like a bandit.

We kept it small.  Grandma and Grandpa had asked to come, and that was enough for us.  It was almost overwhelming for Mimi.  All day long she roamed the house shouting out, 'Happy Birthday!  Happy Birthday!  Grandma coming!  Grandma coming!"  It was beyond cute; one of those moments in which there's nothing better than being a father.  By the time Grandma and Grandpa arrived that night to celebrate, Mimi was bubbling over!

One year ago, Mimi didn't know what a present was.  Now, however, she not only knows what they are, she knows exactly how to tear into them.  

After opening several outfits and books from Grandma and Grandpa, Mimi raced back over to her mother, who had even more gifts.  

From us she received 3 new pairs of shoes (we haven't kept up very well with her feet) and a colorful new hat.  Mimi loves "boshi."  She never leaves the house without one, even if the one she chooses doesn't fit or constantly blows away.  

Lastly, we surprised her with a little gem from the 1960s I had spied in a thrift store: a Fisher Price Creative Coaster.  

To be honest, I was the one who picked it up and paid for it.  Mimi was the one who found it.  Thankfully, she'd forgotten I'd bought it by the time we gave it to her, and she was overjoyed to see it.  This morning, on the way to daycare, she didn't say goodbye to me or Sumie, but she did say, "Bye-bye wagon!"  Honestly, some of the best toys ever just aren't made anymore.  Glad to see Mimi has an eye for vintage goods much like her father. 

We finished off the night with a specially decorated cake from Schubert's bakery.  It was white chocolate mousse and it was beyond good.  If you haven't had a cake from Schubert's, drop whatever you're doing and go now.    

This year was the first time Mimi got to blow out her candles.

 She needed a little help.  While she definitely has the lungs to blow them out (just ask our neighbors), she's a bit too timid.  I think it's a result of blowing bubbles.  She's learned that if you blow too hard, you won't get any bubbles.  Somehow this translated to candles for Mimi.  Grandma helped her out, though, and we were soon able to eat. 

That night while putting Mimi to bed, she softly muttered "Happy Birthday" as I wrapped her in her blanket.  It was the end of a special day in Mimi's life, and the end of a very special year in the life of our family.  I can't imagine a better way to close it out.