JAG's 2 Year Old Birthday Poem

When Joaquin turned one, I wrote him a poem and committed to writing him one every year.  Here is his second birthday poem.

On this birthday Joaquin, you turn two

You’re a toddler now, being a baby you’re through!

Your personality has really begun to shine

The things I’ll list about you will remind you of this time.

Daddy says you’re “becoming a little parrot”

Because you can repeat all we say even if we don’t think you hear it!

With your words, you can ask for anything you need

From your puzzles to bano, to “more leche please.”

It’s cute when you say “frio” outside in the cold

And even cuter when you pray for all the vocabulary you know!

You’re very active and love playing sports

You like basketball, volleyball and any ball of course!

You can throw your arms in the air and yell “touch down”

And then you yell “Yaaaaaay” your happiest sound.

You love Spider-man, Elmo and Cookie Monster

And you love toy trains, especially Thomas.

More of your favorites include blocks and building towers

And you love crashing tunnels and forts with all your power!

You love milk, corn, edamame and sushi

Vitamins and gummy bears probably because they’re both squishy!

You love to put on mom’s chap stick and lotion

And you really love any spinning motion!

Your love watching Arthur, George and Daniel Tiger

And of course, Youtube’s Itsy Bitsy Spider.

You know all the actions to your fav nursery rhymes

Patty cake, wheels on the bus and so many more kinds!

We love hearing you sing in the back seat of the car

To your children’s CD or the radio’s pop stars!

“’Bout that bass” and “Animal” are favorites for you

And you always applaud when a song is through.

Your puppy has proven to be your best friend

You cuddle him, walk him and even discipline

You tell him “down” and “no barking” just like mom and dad

Then you play by slapping him in rhythm to “This old man.”

Our great sleeping baby has entered a rut

As a toddler, you prefer to sleep with us

But I have a trick that works just for naps

Before putting you down, your arms around me you wrap.

I sing Twinkle twinkle and hold you tight

After I lay you down, you’re out like a light.

(If only my trick worked at night!)

It’s amazing to see you becoming so smart

How you know your shapes and touch your chest when you say “heart.”

You are bilingual in speech and understanding

And when shown a photo or Facetime, you can name all your family!

This past year we went through another change

We moved back home to the United States

Maybe all the change caused your separation anxiety

But you’ve overcome that and it’s been most exciting!

Feliz Cumpleanos to my little toddler

You keep getting better and I keep growing fonder!