Thirty-six Months

My sweet, baby boy,

HAPPY THIRD BIRTHDAY!!!

I can not believe you turn three years old today! It is so hard to believe that tiny baby I first held three years ago is now a preschooler. You have grown and changed in so many, many ways and I love watching the person you are and are becoming.

You kicked off your thrity-sixth month with a "boys night out" with you and Daddy. He won tickets to a Pacers game, sitting in the company box, and decided it would be fun to take you. You had a blast! You got to see Boomer (mascot), watched the game, ate lots of food that is bad for you, and spent a great evening hanging out with Daddy. I'm pretty sure he enjoyed it every bit as much as you and see many boys' nights in the future.

The month of your birthday brings with it fall and Halloween. And that means a trip to the pumpkin patch! We had a Saturday with no rain (rare, it seems) and decided it was a good time to go. This year, we just went to a small one hosted by a local church. But, you didn't mind the size. You loved wandering around and looking at all the various pumpkins and couldn't wait to pick one out. We laughed when we finally said you could pick one and you ran right to the box of tiny pumpkins to find one just your size. You made sure to get one for Noah, too, and Mommy and Daddy were left to pick the big pumpkin for carving.

We decorated your little pumpkin and carved the big pumpkin the day before Halloween. You did not like touching the pumpkin "guts" but definitely enjoyed watching. You picked out what shape they eyes (oval) and nose (traingle) should be, and wanted him to have 3 teeth... so that's what we carved. You didn't like when we turned the lights off to watch the jack-o-lantern glow, saying it was "scary" and not wanting to go near it. Lots of routine things are now "scary" for you as you begin to explore the concept of fear and what it means. Frustrating at times, like when you insist Mommy or Daddy needs to come turn a light on even though you know how to turn it on yourself and have done so countless times..... but, also neat to see this stage of your development as you are learning to express so many new/different emotions & feelings.

For Halloween, Mamaw made you a lion costume. For quite a while now, you love to run up to people with a loud "ROAR! I'm a lion!" So, we could think of nothing more appropriate for you than a lion costume. You were quite excited to put it on and start chasing us around and roaring. You aren't overly fond of wearing the hood, and I must admit, it is rather heavy with all the yarn on it for the mane, but you were willing to keep it on for trick-or-treating and a picture or two.

You still enjoy helping out in the kitchen and this month we baked some Halloween cookies and made some yogurt pops from homemade yogurt. You were so excited to help with the pops, after seeing a picture for them in one of my cookbooks, and talked about them almost non-stop until you fell asleep for your nap. As soon as you woke from nap, you were anxious to get one out of the freezer...... and then refused to even try one little lick. Yep. You are still very picky about what you will/will not eat. You'll talk excitedly about something new, but we just can't get you to actually try it then. I keep hoping.

It was a rainy month, so our outside time was limited, but we took advantage of a sunny, fairly warm day and headed to your favorite park. You were hesitant of the big slide at first, even though you've done it a million times, but quickly warmed up to it and had a great time running around and playing. You insisted on climbing up the ladders all by yourself... reminding Mommy of just how quickly you are growing up and how much you are able to do now.

You have become quite the "protector" of your little brother. Noah is pulling up now and working on cruising around the furniture and from object to object. When he does, you are often right there behind him, ready to catch him if he should fall. You love when Noah and I chase you around the house and ask for chase daily. And you are quick to offer an "I love you" or an "It's okay, buddy." when Noah is upset.

You can count to 13 on your own... further with a little help. You are starting to show an interest in learning your ABC's. You like to throw out random letter combinations which always cracks me up. "Hey Mommy!" "Yes, Andrew?" "Q-C-G-H-T-J-M-I-K." We have many conversations that go like that-- just the letters are different. And every time, it makes me smile.

You still love music. And hopscotch. And bath time. And the computer. And taking pictures with Mommy's camera. And absolutely anything and everything that has to do with the movie Cars. Your birthday presents today did not disappoint, as they were all Cars related. They are your favorite things to play with and most evenings you are begging Daddy to play Cars with you before he is barely in the door from work. Although... you adore your Daddy, so you are quite thrilled to play with him-- whether it's cars or not.

As you turn three, you are starting to give up your afternoon nap. Some days you sleep... other days, you don't. Much to your dismay, Mommy still insists you at least have a "rest time" in the afternoons. I let you watch a movie (Monsters, Inc. is a current fave), which you enjoy, and the quiet time allows Noah to take a long nap. However, if you fall asleep and nap, you are happier in the evening but up way too late at night... so I foresee changes coming soon to your sleep routines.

You are an amazing little boy and I still have a hard time accepting that you are now three years old. Gone are your days of nursing and diapers. No more rattles or baby talk. Now you run, jump, sing, dance, throw, catch, count, talk and so many, many other things. You are loving and nurturing. Gentle and kind. Polite and caring. You find joy in every day and smiles in what others might overlook. You love to laugh and to make others around you laugh, too. And you love to learn about the world around-- always asking questions and wanting to know more.

Keep your love for learning. And you love for laughing. And always remember, Mommy and Daddy will always be right behind you-- in all you do.


I love you, my little one! Happy Birthday!

Love Always,
Mommy

Newborn, 11/12/06:

1 Year Old, 11/12/07:

2 Years Old, 11/12/08:

3 Years Old, 11/12/09:

Thirty-five Months

My sweet, baby boy,

Once again, another month has come & gone and left me wondering how it could go so quickly. The time just flies by these days and I'm convinced you change every time I blink. Maybe not quite that fast, but it often seems that way.  Realizing you are so close to being THREE seems to make it go even faster.

This month, like all the others was full of fun times.  We started off the month by saying goodbye to Mimi for a while.  She is in Utah visiting with Aunt Brenda.  You know she is on "uhcation" and sometimes will even say where, but you mention her nearly every day... so I don't think you have fully grasped the concept just yet.  I do know you will be so very excited when she returns home in a couple of months.

Overnight, it seems the cooler weather arrived.  Many damp, rainy, chilly days have been keeping us indoors.  We get out when we can, but in the meantime find ways to get rid of extra energy at home.  Dancing and jumping around the house are always a hit.  But, your newest fascination is hopscotch!  You saw some kids playing it at the park one time, and there was an episode of one of your favorite tv shows that talked about it.  Since then, you jump around all the time saying you are playing "hot scotts."  Such excitement when Mommy got out the masking tape and made a hopscotch game in the middle of the living room!  You had a BLAST playing it for several days before we ripped it up, and made sure everyone-- Mommy, Daddy and Noah-- had fun playing, too.

The cooler weather has also meant getting out the warmer clothes and jammies... and convincing you to at least put on a shirt while running around the house.  I couldn't believe how excited you were when I pulled out your beloved star jammies a few days ago.  You insisted on wearing them for naptime and have had them on for bedtime, too.  I don't think they'll fit much longer-- one more growth spurt and they'll be too short for you-- but until that happens, you are happy to have them back again.

Besides warmer jammies, your bedtime "needs" have grown.  You've gone from just wanting Grinch to sleep with you, to having a whole list of requirements.  Collecting all your items is one of the longest parts of your bedtime routine.  You now have to sleep with Grinch, baby and kitty.  Your drinks are still required to be on the night stand.  And Lightning McQueen and another car or two are also required there.  For a time, they slept on Mommy's pillow until she came to bed.  But, trying to move them without waking Noah was getting too difficult, so we convinced you they could sleep on the table and be just fine.  Still, when getting ready for bed, I always chuckle at all of your stuff.

Speaking of Noah, it thrills me to see how much you and he love each other.  You love to play peek-a-boo with him behind Mommy's chair while he stands in my lap.  Often times, playing a game with you is the only thing that will work to calm him down when he's being fussy.  You like playing on the floor together and always make sure he has some toys within reach.  You applaud and cheer whenever he does something new.  You love when Mommy and Noah play chase with you around the house.  And you never go to bed without giving him a hug & kiss goodnight.  Watching the relationship the two of you have is definitely one of the best parts of parenthood.

As you grow older, more and more you are wanting to try your hand at new tasks & skills like going down the big slide at the park.  You often ask to cut your own food now... though you still need help sometimes.  You still love to use your scissors and are improving with them each time you pick them up.  With a little help to make sure they are on the right feet, you can usually put your own shoes on.  And you are starting to take an interest in dressing/undressing yourself.

One of the biggest new skills is your success at using the potty!  At the writing of your last letter, we had only been at it a few days, but you were doing well.  With this letter, I am happy to say the success has been ongoing.  By the end of the second week, we were no longer having to remind you to go-- unless we were leaving the house-- and you were quite good at going all on your own.  Now, you get annoyed if we ask you if you need to go, much prefering to do so when you need to, on your own terms.  You generally wake from naps and overnights dry, so we will soon be getting rid of the last of the diapers.  Your only struggle is with poop in the potty, and I know that will come in time.  Mommy and Daddy are both SUPER proud of you for learning this new skill!

You are developing your sense of humor and it is so much fun to see.  You think it is funny to use a toy or other object in a way it isn't normally used.  If we're watching tv or Mommy & Daddy are talking and we start laughing about something, you start laughing right along with us.  And you think it is quite funny/silly to make up words to songs.  The tunes are familiar, but these days I never know what words to expect along with it.  I'm definitely looking forward to many continued laughs as this side of you keeps coming through.

You are still my picky eater.  I would be so much happier if you would at least be willing to TRY new things when offered to you.  Every time they are offered.  You have your moments where you will surprise us and suddenly ask to try something new, or willingly take a bite of something different on your plate.  But, generally "Try one bite" is met with a resounding "No!"  Even more frustrating when it is something you have tried and enjoyed in the past.  Each bite of something new gets me excited and gives me hope that someday your tastes will expand beyond chicken nuggets, grilled cheese and peanut butter sandwiches.

You still enjoy bath time and were excited to receive several new bathtub toys as an early birthday present from some friends.  You still love to chase Pepper around the house and love when she chases back.  Cars is still your favorite movie and they're your favorite toys to play with.  You love your computer time each evening while Mommy fixes dinner and Daddy gets some time with Noah.  You still love to sing and dance and enjoy anything with musical instruments.  You're still working on counting to twenty, and now think it's fun to count backwards.  And you generally just love having fun.

You are changing evey day and becoming quite the little boy.  Your time as a toddler is nearing its end and you are fast moving on to being a preschooler.  I look at Noah and remember when you were his size and then look at you and am amazed at all you can say and do now.  And even more amazed at the wonderful little person you have become.  You are polite and empathetic and loving and caring.  You are sensitive, but also strong.  Each day with you is a joy... sometimes challenging... but a joy nonetheless.  You make us laugh and smile-- and everyone needs laughter in their life! 

Keep enjoying every minute of life and keep exploring your world.  There is still so much more for you to see and learn.

I love you, my little one!

Love Always,
Mommy

Thirty-Four Months

My sweet, baby boy,

Can you see it?  Three?  Can you see it?  It is just around the corner and I am more aware of that fact each day.  You are so far developmentally from those early days of two and so much closer to the ways of being three, I have a hard time thinking of you as "two" now... and when asked at least give a "2 1/2" and often times reply with "almost three."

 Like all the others, this month was full of fun and laughs.  We started your thirty-fourth month with a trip to the State Fair.  You talked about it for days before we went and were not disappointed with all you got to see and do.  Animals, tractors, work on the farm.  And this year, you were excited to be big enough to ride on one of the kiddie rides!  You had such a good time, we went back to the fair a week later for more fun.

We discovered a small splash park, not too far from our house.  The first trip you played on the playground for a while and needing some coaxing to finally give the water a try.  Once in it, you had a blast!  You wouldn't stand in/under any of the spouts, but you loved putting your hands in it and getting wet that way.  A return trip had you running all around, laughing the whole time, and even putting your face in a spout to try and take a drink!

Our Saturdays have become somewhat routine-- in that they are generally family days.  Mommy makes a coffee cake (breakfast cake, as you call it) for breakfast and then we all do something fun together.  Some days, it's a walk to the park.  One day we went to watch your cousin, Dalton, play soccer.  Sometimes it's a trip to the mall or Target.  Whatever the day may bring, we enjoy being together-- just the 4 of us-- and I hope we can continue them for many years to come!

You are still very into music.  Your latest "thing" is to sit down at your little piano, announce that you are Martin (our church organist) and that you are playing, and proceed to serenade us with your work.  You obviously pay close attention when you watch Martin practice, as you copy many of his moves and even facial features so we get quite a good laugh out of your impersonation!

If you aren't pretending to be Martin, you are pretending to be Mark, the church choir director.  In the same manner, you'll announce who you are, pick up your "gaton" (baton) if something suitable is around and start waving your arms as you conduct.  From you Little Einsteins viewings, you know how to conduct a crescendo and diminuendo and are sure to include those in your dramatic direction.  And, as with your Martin impersonations, your copying Mark brings many a laugh for us, too.

You are still quite the picky eater and I'm sure if it weren't for chicken nuggets, you'd waste away to nothing.  Okay.  It's not that bad... but as your mom, I do worry often about what you are eating-- or lack thereof.  We have reinstated family dinners at the table (after some time off when Noah was born) and I'm hoping that will encourage you to eat more things.  We give you a little of everything to try-- you just have no desire to do so!

You absolutely adore your baby brother!  You get so excited the minute he opens his eyes in the morning or after a nap and shout "Noah's awake!" ready for him to play with you.  You love to play peek-a-boo with him around the back of the rocking chair.  You're always eager and willing to help with him whenever needed-- holding a bottle, retrieving a lost pacifier, or just talking to him to keep him happy.  And I love when you kiss Noah's head before going to bed at night and say "I love you, buddy" to him.  You really are a great big brother!

You absolutely love playing with your toy cars.  You love watching the movie Cars and that quickly carried over into playing with them.  Big plastic ones you've had since you were much younger or small matchbox ones-- it doesn't matter-- as long as it's a vehicle.  Your Lightning McQueen car (movie character) is definitely your favorite.  He goes most everywhere with you, including to bed at night, resting on the pillow next to you until you fall asleep and we move him.  With a couple of vehicles, you will entertain yourself for quite a long time.

You are ever exploring and questioning your world.  Some days we get tired of answering "What's that?" but continue to answer or say "I don't know, what is it?" for you to answer.  I'm sure in time that will be replaced with "Why?" as the popular question.  I love your curiosity and the way you are always wanting to know and understand more about the great big world around you.

After a few weeks off, we tried the potty again this week with much success!  It seems you are finally ready and have been doing wonderfully with it!  This past Monday evening, I started putting together a small prize box and explained your diapers were going away.  You were going to start wearing underwear and if you kept it dry all day-- with a sticker on your chart each time you used the potty-- you would get to pick a prize from the box (stickers, toy cars).  After my explanation, you went right in and went potty and haven't looked back.  It's been less than a week, but you've had only 3 accidents.  I really think this time is it!  Mommy & Daddy have been so proud of you this week!  Diapers have only been used for naps and overnights and I have no intention of putting them on you for anything else.  You are doing so great with it and are excited to be wearing underwear, so I don't think you have any intention of returning to diapers, either.

You really are on your way to being three!  I love the conversations we have now.  I love how incredibly smart you are.  Your memory amazes me, especially when you start talking about something from over a year ago-- when you didn't have the vocabulary to even talk about it then.  Your sense of wonder is a joy to watch.  Your excitement over the little things in life is contagious.

You are such a sweet, caring, loving little boy and I am so lucky to be your mommy.  Keep learning and exploring.  Your journey has barely begun.

I love you, my little one!

Love Always,
Mommy

Thirty-three Months

My sweet, baby boy,

I find it so hard to believe you will be three years old in only three more months.  Yet, when I look at you... or sit and talk with you... it is quite apparent in your looks, vocabulary and knowledge that you are much closer to "three" than "two."

Just like all the rest, this month was filled with fun and learning, usually all rolled into one.  You were quite proud of yourself when you learned how to use a pair of scissors.  We were at Target and you picked out the pair you wanted (pink ones!) and you couldn't wait to get home to open them up and start practicing.  You love to cut and then glue your clippings onto another piece of paper.

I think the most obvious thing to show off your ever expanding vocabulary, was when you used "fortissimo" (sortissimo, as you say it, since you still struggle with the "f" sound sometimes).  You were singing in the microphone I made for you, and after the singing continued to escalate, I asked you to please sing softly.  Your response?  "But I NEED to sing SORTISSIMO!"  How could I possibly argue with that when I was so impressed with your knowledge?

On one of the rainy days, we opened up CandyLand and you learned to play your first board game.  You were so excited to play your game and caught on pretty quickly.  We play quite often.  Many days, it's the first thing you get out after you wake up.  You'll get the board out and open it up, line up all the pieces, put the cards in a pile, then look at me and say "You wanna play my game?"  So, we often start our days with a round of CandyLand.  You still need  help with moving in the right direction sometimes, you love when you draw the lollipop or ice cream cone card, and you always get excited when you win.

You put the Wiggles aside this month, asking for them rarely, and instead have taken a strong attachment to the movie "Cars."  You want to watch it all the time!  You have pulled out every toy car you own and have given them all names, based on which character they resemble from the movie.  We have to limit the number of cars you can take with you when we go places... or we'd never be able to keep track of them all.  You love to play with your cars, and watch the movie, often at the same time, and especially love it when Daddy or Mommy joins you.

We spent many Sunday afternoons this month at the ball diamond, watching Daddy play softball with our church team.  You got so excited each week when it was time to go "play ball" and were eager to play, too.  We bought a t-ball set for you and it went with us every week so you can play.  And after every game, Daddy would take you out to run the bases, which always made you laugh.

Now that Noah is really starting to babble, you have taken an even greater interest in him.  You are such a WONDERFUL big brother!  You are always eager to help in any way we'll let you, and if Noah is crying and you get to him before Mommy or Daddy does, you are fast to reassure him.  The other night when you were going to feed him a bottle, I put him across your lap, propped on the pillows, and you immediately put an arm around him and softly said "It's okay buddy.  Andrew's here."  Such a sweet moment!  I really hope the two of you continue to build the strong, loving bond you already share.

Of course, with Noah able to do more, you always want him with you.  He is still your favorite subject for taking pictures.  You love when he gets in the bathtub with you.  You want him to play CandyLand and cars and trains and pretty much everything with you.  You love when he talks to you and watches you run around.  You often ask for him to watch "Cars" with you.  And usually insist he go with you if you leave the room for a diaper change, wanting him to get changed, too.

Speaking of diapers... we tried more time with the potty this month.  You spent several days in underwear and started out doing great!  But, after a few days, you refused to go to the potty and were having lots of accidents, so the diapers went back on.  We'll try again in a few weeks.  Some days I really wish you'd learn it sooner, rather than later, but I know one of these tries will be successful and you will get it all figured out.

You count and sing.  You hate to have the sun in your eyes and beg for your sunglasses in the car...although, if you're busy playing outside... then you don't seem to mind.  You love to climb all over daddy and especially love when he gives you piggy back rides.  You like to "work" at the computer, and equally enjoy crayons or markers and paper.  It seems not a day goes by that you don't say or do something that makes us laugh.  The laughs get bigger as your language grows-- usually because we're laughing about something you said.  You just keep growing and it seems we can't stop you!

Sometimes, I wish you'd stop growing, just for a minute... but, not really.  I love the person you are becoming.  Strong-willed, loving, independent, caring, adventurous, energetic... so many wonderful traits we hope you'll keep with you always.  So, even when I ask you to stop, you keep right on growing into such a wonderful little boy and we'll keep right on loving you.

I love you, my little one!

Love Always,
Mommy