I had good intentions of writing to you a month ago, but we have been having too much FUN together to stop and sit at the computer. About 90% of the time you give off this infectious joy that makes our hearts so full (the other 10% of the time you're being a typical toddler and can throw a tantrum with the best of them!). There is so much I could write about what you are like right now, so to keep it simple I thought I'd highlight your "Top 5 Favorites" (also known as "5 Signs You Really are a Boy"... so much for not pushing traditional gender roles! haha).
# 1 (by a landslide): Being Outside
I wish I could adequately describe how much you love to go outside. I'm not exaggerating when I say it is often requested within ten minutes of waking up in the morning (when it's still pitch black out), and you're sometimes crying and begging for one more trip out as we head to bed. You are obsessed.
Sometimes if we tell you we can't go out you try and talk us in to it by sharing the things we need (socks "sok", shoes "shooo", hat "at at", a jacket "ack-ett", and the toy lawnmower "mow mow" are the usual suspects on your list-- occasionally bubbles "bah-boo" will make the cut, too). After you go through the list you always look so hopeful that maybe we'll have changed our minds!
#2: Dogs
#2: Dogs
We are very lucky to have sweet neighbors that don't mind you standing at the edge of our yard to watch and bark at their dogs! You love to watch those two dogs, and anytime we are out and see a dog your eyes lock in and you stare in amazement often pointing and whispering softly, "Doh!" as though you can't believe what you are seeing. When the dogs get within "licking distance" you get a little shy sometimes, but usually warm-up in a few minutes and practice petting them gently on the back.
While this is all kinds of adorable, your love of our canine friends can get in the way of doing necessary things like eating and sleeping. If we're eating dinner and you hear a dog bark (there are lots of dogs on our street) you'll whip your head around to see if you can see it out the window and point and say, "Doh! Doh! DOH!" until we acknowledge that yes, there is indeed a dog somewhere outside, and no, we cannot see it either. Same thing at bedtime. You can be milliseconds away from being sound asleep, a dog will bark, and suddenly you raise your head up and sleepily say, "Doh! Doh!". While it's a little annoying sometimes, it's also kind of cute, I'll admit.
Probably dreaming about dogs...
#3: Dancing
If there is music playing it's a sure bet that you are movin' and groovin' little guy! Your trademark moves are bouncing up and down, spinning in circles, and doing this thing with your leg that sort of looks like a horse pawing the ground. Your favorite "adult" music seems to be Michael Jackson (or Jackson 5) and Red Hot Chili Peppers. We can be listening to other music and if one of those come on you suddenly start going crazy! It's so strange, and so funny at the same time.
Also, there is a "station" on an online music program that we play called "Toddler Tunes". It plays more kid-type of songs like "Wheels on the Bus", "ABC Song", etc. In the last week or two you suddenly started shouting "Toddler Tuuuuuunes!" when you want to hear some dancing music. It cracks Dad and I up every time you say it!
Also, there is a "station" on an online music program that we play called "Toddler Tunes". It plays more kid-type of songs like "Wheels on the Bus", "ABC Song", etc. In the last week or two you suddenly started shouting "Toddler Tuuuuuunes!" when you want to hear some dancing music. It cracks Dad and I up every time you say it!
#4: Belly Buttons and Tickle Fights
Not only do you like to show us your belly and belly button, but you like to seek out pretty much everyone else's belly button, too. Dad and I usually don't mind if we're just at home, but unfortunately you've started to lift the shirts of a few unsuspecting folks who want to play with you!
"Bay-yee!" (belly) you cry as you jab that little index finger in to our belly buttons. Dad and I often feign over-the-top laughter which sends you in to a fit of laughter. Often we will (gently) grab you and roll you to you back and tickle your ribs and neck until you're breathless. When we stop you give us a serious face, but there's a look in your eye as though you're thinking, "Are you going to tickle me again? Please!" You love to wrestle back and try to tickle us, too. It's so fun to "play rough" with you! We all end up laying on the floor in a heap of giggles by the end.
Silly, wiggly Super Toddler!
#5: Cars and Trucks
Really, the best illustration I can give for your love of cars and trucks happened just the other day. You and I went for a walk down the street and ended up sitting on the sidewalk by the main road in our subdivision watching and talking about all the cars and trucks for 45 minutes! The only reason we even got up was because I had to go get dinner started.
Ready for a run in the jogging stroller with Dad!
Many times you like to wave at cars as they drive down the road. The majority of the time people wave back if they see you. It's always funny when the big tough looking guys who drive trucks suddenly get a goofy grin and wave enthusiastically when they notice your wave. You sure do brighten people's day!
You fell face-first in to some mud and gave me this "I'm a tough guy!" look afterwards. Haha!
One thing you and I have in common-- we love Daddy's sweet hugs!
Even as a toddler you get excited about being worn in the baby carrier! We sure do loooove our snuggle time!
We have a fun summer ahead of us, I'm sure, and I can't wait to make more memories together. If you could slow down on how quickly you're moving toward your second birthday I'd certainly appreciate it. I love you so so so SO much sweet baby! You give the best hugs, the best kisses, and I adore being your Mommy.
Love,
Mom
