Wednesday, August 6, 2014

2 years

Dear Caleb,
4 days old
1 year old

2 years old
 You are 2 years old! I can hardly wrap my brain around it! (I just checked - that's exactly what I said after your first birthday.) I handled your first birthday without a tear, but this birthday left me in a puddle of emotions... Your age is no longer counted by months. You are no longer a tiny little guy. You are now a big brother. You have an amazing little personality and are as strong willed as the day is long!You've grown a full foot taller this year and have moved into 2T clothes. Where did my tiny baby go?


By far, the biggest event that's happened recently is the birth of your little brother. On March 25th, Noah came into this world kicking and screaming! It's been a roller coaster of excitement and emotions, but you've done well. When Noah came home from the hospital we put him on the floor so you could get to know each other and you began bringing him all of your favorite trucks. I was so excited to see you trying to share with him! Noah cried a lot in those early months, but you didn't seem to mind at all. In fact, there were several times that you came to get me and brought me to your brother as he screamed in his bouncer. It warms my heart to see you interact with him. You'll love on him and bring him toys on your terms, but if Noah reaches out and touches you then you quickly run away!


You continue to love balls but have a special fondness for "dasketdolls" (basketballs). You love to play with cars and trucks (In fact, your big boy room is car themed.) but nothing makes you quite as happy as your box of balls. You spend hours playing soccer, catch, basketball, and tennis! You've got an amazing pitch, a fantastic swing with your tennis racquet, and a strong kick. We keep crayons and a coloring book on the table so you can color every day. You often ask us to draw dasketdolls, dootdolls, baseaballs, folfballs, wadda balls, and dig dolls. (basketballs, footballs, baseballs, golfballs, bowling balls, and big balls)


I'm amazed at how quickly you're learning new words! I was actually concerned that you were behind in your language skills because all you were doing was grunting. Then one day you said "More milk please mom!" You little booger! You've had the words all along but you're so smart you've discovered it's easier to just grunt. I still can't believe how long you got away with it! Now we're forcing you into using words more often and I'm discovering you have an amazing vocabulary. However, you're stubborn streak has come out in full force and you are determined to continue to grunt. When we ask you to use your words you say "No!" Good grief little man!


You love to laugh and are super curious about the world around you. Your best friend is your daddy and you follow him everywhere. He's had extra time off this summer and he's spent a lot of it with you. I'm not looking forward to having the two of you separated in August when school starts again... However, we're going to start our own version of homeschooling this fall and I think you'll enjoy the new challenge in your day. You are proving to be an extremely smart little boy! You know all your capital letters, your shapes, your colors, and your numbers. In fact, the other day I asked you what color my shirt was. You confidently answered "Pink!" I was shocked. We have not talked about the color pink and you don't usually use the pink crayon. I asked you where you learned the color pink and, without hesitation, you said "Bot!" Looks like you've learned colors from Team Umizoomi - which is still your favorite show. You enjoy watching PAW Patrol, as well, but Team Umizoomi is absolutely your show of choice! You still suck your thumb and carry around your precious waffle weave blanket. It is a precious part of your world that I deeply cherish!



I am so blessed to be your mom! I can't get over how lucky I am to have you in my family. You are cheerful and loving and a true joy to be around! When I think of you at 2 years old, I will remember your infectious laughter and your excitement over "dasketdolls" and every kind of construction equipment we might see! I love you so much, my sweet pumpkin and can't wait to see how you grow in the months to come. I pray for you daily and know God is going to do mighty things through your sweet heart!



Love,
Mommy