Today I’m officially 2 ½. Happy half birthday to me!! This year, I requested for my special day to be conveniently placed between Sweetest Day and Boss’s Day. Because I’m the sweetest. And the boss.

Here’s what life looks like these days, in pictures:

And here’s what life looks like these days, in summary:

• I’m happy and silly 95% of the time.
• I don’t get puzzled by too many puzzles; I welcome the challenge.
• When I clinch my teeth and get a special twinkle in my eye, get ready to be tackled because it’s WWF time.
• I’ve started digging for gold… in my nostrils.
• I’ve recently discovered the word “Why.” So, currently, a typical conversation sounds like:
  • Jaeger: Are we going to school?
  • Mom: Yes.
  • Jaeger: Why?
  • Mom: Because it’s a school day.
  • Jaeger: Why?
  • Mom: Because we can learn a lot at school. Did you just throw a Cheerio at my head?
  • Jaeger: Why?
  • Mom: Jaeger, please stop throwing Cheerios at my head; I’m driving.
  • Jaeger: Why? Can I have some milk?
  • Mom: Yes.
  • Jaeger: Why?
  • Mom: Jaeger, take your milk and let’s play the quiet game. It’s fun. And quiet.
  • Jaeger: Why?
• I love peanuts. All of them. Just give me the jar.
• I can turn the lights on and off. But when you’re in the shower, I only know how to turn them off.
• I’m making great progress on my manners. (Nevermind the nose-picking. And please excuse my occasional whine.) But, want me to share? No, thank you!
• While my feet skipped size 8 shoes and went right to size 9, my legs keep growing too! So instead of waiting for a flood to come, I’ve started shopping for 3T pants.
• I make a really cute alarm clock. But cute as I am, mom says it’s still alarming at 4:45 in the morning. So, some days, out of the kindness of my heart, I let my parents off easy and wake up at 5:30 instead.
• I’ve rediscovered my love for Mickey Mouse. (But Thomas the Train is still my true love.)
• I remain unconvinced that underpants are cooler than diapers.

Life as a 2 ½-year-old is sure to be one big adventure. And with each passing month, I plan to get faster and sillier. I will take more risks and outsmart the smartest. I will keep eating and growing. And eating. So watch out, age three…. I’m coming for you!