Thirty- Three

Tadpole,

My sweet little Tadpole. You're just not so little anymore. I love that you are so capable these days, but do mourn my little chubby baby a bit at times, too. Luckily, every stage of development with you seems to be a new adventure.

Two and half is here and in full force. You want to do everything 'all by myself', which can be a bit frustrating at times, as you lack the attention or time to do everything independently. You seem to be testing your boundaries quite a bit, too. You are mastering the fine art of talking back, which is especially evident when you feel your brother receives more attention than you. Daddy and I are doing our best to make you feel special while also holding you accountable for your words and actions. We now talk a lot about privileges and how one may earn or lose the same.

School seems to take up most of your time right now. You love playing in home center there and frequently come home and tell us about the day's lesson. Over the past month, you learned about community helpers, including mail carriers and dentists. You like to remind us all of the importance of brushing one's teeth in an effort to avoid getting cavities. It seems like solid advice to me!
Outside of school, we are pretty busy. It seems that you have one social function or another each weekend. Last weekend, for example, we went to the cabin with PP. There, you visited with the firefighters at the local station. Then, you had N and G over for dinner. This coming weekend, you have a play date with A at the children's museum. The weekend after that you are due at N's house to play. When not engaging in formal social obligations, you are often found on the phone checking-in with Aunt K, or out and about in the neighborhood. You make frequent trips to BW when you can and also like to check-in with our neighbors, V and R.

Daddy is working days this month, which affords us the opportunity to go on a few more adventures. We went to Country Village one day, for example, where we rode the train (actually, you did it by yourself), watched the ducks, and had a hot chocolate! We've also gone on shoe adventures, and grocery adventures, too! When not out and about, you may often be found at home playing your guitar and singing. Gosh, how you love making music. Daddy and I actually discussing the possibility of putting you in lessons in the near future, if doing the same aligns with our budget. You also really enjoy reading books -- 'If You Give a Pig a Party' seems to be your current favorite, and playing with your cars and trains.

You are acutely aware of the fact that your birthday party is rapidly approaching and would like to finalize plans for the same too. I worry that we will not meet your expectations, as you seem to think that we will roll every party you've attended or read about into one grand celebration. For example, you told me that at one point in your party, you plan to build a fort of blankets with all of your friends (a scene from 'If You Give a Pig a Party'). I am determined, however, to make it a celebration worthy of you. My only hope is that you will enjoy it.

While you are at a stage that is a bit challenging to us right now, your Daddy and I remain absolutely in love with you. You bring so much laughter into our lives each day. You are filled with such wonder and kindness that we are inspired by you consistently. We remain incredibly aware of how lucky we are to be your parents and are so thankful to be in this position.

Love,
Mama