Her Honest Space

A loving letter to my 2-year-old son, celebrating his growing personality, independence, and the joyful, messy, and meaningful moments of toddlerhood.

Two years of you. Two years of watching you grow into someone I’m still getting to know, and already love more deeply than I knew was possible. It feels like such a small number, but somehow it holds so much — so many changes, so many moments, so much of you becoming you.

This year, I’ve seen your personality shine in ways that make me smile every single day. You are strong-willed, independent, and so sure of yourself in your own little way. You don’t do things just because someone asks you to — you do them when you’re ready. And while it can test me at times (haha), I’ve come to realise it’s something really special about you. You think, you decide, you choose… and I hope you always hold onto that part of yourself.

At childcare, they’ve said the same. One day they asked you to sit on the floor with the other children, and you said “chair.” They said “floor,” and you said “chair.” Back and forth you went, standing your ground, so sure of what you wanted, until eventually you gave in and sat on the floor — but only after you had made your point. I see it so clearly now… you are becoming someone who knows who they are, even in the smallest ways.

You don’t give your smiles away easily either. You only smile when you want to, when it feels right to you. So many people have tried to get one out of you, and instead you just look at them — serious, like a little cranky old man, completely unfazed by it all. And I love that about you. Because even in something so small, it shows me who you are. You don’t perform for anyone. You don’t do things just because you’re expected to. You do them when they’re real, when they feel right — and that’s something I hope you always hold onto.

You’re also at that stage where you mimic everything, and it makes me laugh more than you’ll ever know. I remember gagging while cleaning the cat litter, and you found it so funny that you started copying me — smiling and laughing like it was the best thing in the world. Or when we change your nappy and say “poo” while waving our hands and saying “smelly” — now every time you see a nappy, you say “poo.” And when you’re looking for something, you say “hmm” while rubbing your chin, with the most serious little face, so determined to find whatever it is you’ve lost. It’s these little things — the expressions, the habits, the way you take in the world around you — that show me just how much you’re growing.

You love The Wiggles — dancing along, fully in your own little world. Sometimes I join in, and you used to love that… but now you look at me and say, “No mama, Isaac,” like you’re telling me this is your moment. Just you. You’ve started to love techno music too, especially Wiggles techno, which makes me laugh. You still love Winnie the Pooh and Ms Rachel (which I secretly love too), but now you’ve added new favourites — Trash Truck, Teletubbies, and Elmo. Your favourite songs change, but right now it’s “Brush Your Teeth” with Elmo and Ms Rachel, and of course, Baby Shark. It used to be Michael Finnegan, especially the fast part — the way you would move your little feet so quickly, like a tiny Irish dancer. You still love to dance now, just in your own way.

You still have the biggest obsession with bubbles. So much so that when I’m out shopping, I have to quickly detour if I see them before you do — because I know you’ll want another bubble toy, even though you already have so many at home. And then there are your little routines, like when we go to Coles and you have to stop and pat the statue dog. We can’t leave until you do. You have such a strong opinion already, and when things don’t go the way you expect, you let us know. The tantrums are real, and you definitely have a big set of lungs on you… but even in those moments, I see just how much you feel and how much you understand.

You still love your food — there’s nothing you won’t try, nothing you won’t eat. You’re still a little messy, but now you want to sit at your own table and chair, or even at the dining table with us. I find myself propping you up with a cushion so you can sit comfortably, watching you slowly step into this next stage of independence. And then there are the quiet changes happening too. Your night bottle — your “dottle” — something you’ve loved for so long, will soon be something you won’t need anymore. Little by little, you’re becoming less of a baby and more of a little boy. Toilet training, your own room, your own bed — all things that are coming this year. And while I know you’ll be ready… I’m not sure I am.

I love that I am your safe place, your comfort. When you’re hurt or upset, you reach for me or walk straight to me, placing your head on my shoulder until you calm down, like everything feels better again just being in my arms. And then there are the softer moments — the way you say “love you” and lean in for a kiss, like it’s the most natural thing in the world. Our little day adventures, just you and me, exploring together, are some of my favourite moments. Even in all your independence, you still come back to me, and I hold onto that more than you’ll ever know.

Right now, you’re in this stage of wanting to do everything yourself. Full of determination, curiosity, and confidence, taking on the world in your own little way. You’re not just growing… you’re becoming.

Bedtime is one of those moments I find myself quietly holding onto. The way you need me there to fall asleep, grabbing me and placing your hand through my tee, making sure I don’t leave. And then slowly, you drift off, knowing I’m right there beside you. I sit there listening to your little noises as you fall asleep, and in those moments, everything else fades away.

I don’t know what this next year will bring, but I know it will be more of you growing, changing, and becoming exactly who you’re meant to be. And I’ll be right here for all of it — your safe place, your comfort, your mum.

Happy 2nd birthday, my beautiful boy.

Love always,

Mum ❤️