Oh what a difference!

Don't get me wrong.  I love both of my kids dearly and don't regret either of them.  But that said...I am SO glad that it is January of 2013 and not January of 2012.

Wait, what?  You mean you don't miss those early days?  Those newborn days?

Nope.  Not at all.  I love this age.  The personality is emerging.  The games we play.  The giggles as he "runs" across the room half naked just knowing we are going to chase him.

The peek-a-boo with our plates.  Or the raspberries being blown on the table while waiting for dinner.

The attitude in our voice as we tell us ALL just what's on our mind.  All "yayaya!" for look at me now!

I mean, how can you not look at this smile, even with the drool hanging out as we work constantly on those few remaining teeth before we FINALLY get a break, and not smile back?  Or laugh outrageously.

Gone are those early days of constant crying.  Constant battles for eating enough.  Or sleep.  Or pulling my hair out because you won't stop crying and I just don't know why.  Now, you are mostly smiles.

And giggles.

And just regular enjoyment.  Where even just a balloon can make your day.  Or an empty cereal box.

I wouldn't change you for the world.  I'll admit to not looking forward to the struggles of 2.  And 3.  But maybe, just maybe, you'll go easy on me and not be as trying as your sister.

One can always hope, right?