Twenty-two

Tadpole,

You recently turned twenty-two months old. You are no longer a newborn or even a baby, but are a full-blown little man. You are increasingly opinionated and independent. You are the stereotypical toddler -- into everything and completely egocentric. It is magical to watch.

The past month has kept us busy. We have had a number of household inconveniences -- busted plumbing under the sink in our bathroom, a broken furnace, etc. Additionally, we had a 'mini cabin' (i.e. a glorified shed) built especially for Daddy. When not attending to one of these projects, Daddy and I have spent as much time as possible giving you as much love and attention possible. We spend a lot of time playing puzzles, blowing bubbles outside, playing cars, and baking together. We also call Aunt K on a regular basis and visit with N & G when we can. Additionally, you had several social engagements recently as well. You had a St. Patrick's day meal with GC and A, met N & G for ice cream, spent an evening with Aunt B and crew, and continue to make regular appearances with the 'Blockwatch' crew. Tomorrow night, you'll go to play with Aunt E, B, and N.

Your passions, in general, have not changed much over the past few weeks. You continue to be enamored with the garbage man and have an increasing interest in buses and other trucks as well. You think trains are swell, too. Your current reading obsessions include If You Give a Mouse a Cookie and The Pout Pout Fish. You request that we read each of these books to you several times per day (in addition to the other books you want to read), if not more. The funny part is that you do not need us around to read the books, as you have each memorized. Your sharp memory and increasing verbal skills are truly freaky at times. You're an intelligent little man, for sure.

As my tummy continues to grow, you are becoming increasingly aware of the fact that you are about to become a big brother. You no longer demand that the baby should live outside upon his arrival, but are resigned to the fact that he will likely stay in the house after all. You clarify, regularly, what toys 'Baby Brother' can use and those from which he is to stay away. It is your opinion that we should likely name the baby either 'Daddy' or 'Tyson'. We are not sure where you even heard the name Tyson. Alas, I doubt we will select either of these options when we finally meet the new member of our family. I do wish we had some idea of what to name him though, as we really need to think of something soon.

Daddy and I remain a little anxious regarding how we will acclimate to the new structure of our family, especially given that I will not take any time off from work as we adjust. When we are able to let go of that anxiety, however, we are so excited to raise you boys and look forward to the many adventures we will pursue as a family. Daddy is especially excited to take you to the cabin this summer, which should be fun. While I look forward to such trips as well, I'm most excited to see you adjust to your new role as a big brother on a day-to-day basis. I'm confident that you will be just awesome at it -- you're so caring, so silly, and incredibly wise. You're going to be a great influence on your sibling.

You, my sweet little boy, continue to be the light of our lives. We remain so thankful and honored to be your parents and are grateful for all the joy your bring to our lives on a daily basis.

Love,
Mama