NAP: 33 Months

Dear Nash,
Mommy is very late again.  Son, this has been a very long and exhausting month. First, the entire family had one form or another of a nasty stomach virus.  You and Daddy had it the worst.  You were the first to go down and when you would vomit, you say, "I spit it out."  Poor little guy.  Then we had a week or so of decent health when croup came on like a freight train.  After an exhausting night of trying to decide whether or not to take you to the hospital, my gut kicked in and I drove your sweet, gasping little self to the Children's Hospital at 2 am.  After a few breathing treatments and a steroid, we got to go home.  That was a tough little time for you and I was so proud of how brave you were. I do have to tell you though that you resisted your breathing treatments with all of your might.  You are very strong-willed.  Now, you have a secondary infection and are on antibiotics.  I pray you feel much better soon.

This month we also visited Houston, where you played with your best friends and cousins, Luke and Davis.  You really love those guys.  You got to stay in their room and have a sleepover.  You played like such a big boy.  Then we spent a couple of days at Mimi and Buddy's where you hung out with your grandparents and Mikey and SueSue.  You sure know how to make your way around their property and all of the things to do.  Don't tell Buddy, but you threw every pine cone on the property into the pond.

You also spent some time with Grammy and Grampy.  Your new favorite thing to do at their house is yard work.  You love pulling weeds,  wearing gloves, and helping Grampy.  They say they work you like a little Polack.  See, they can say that because you and Grampy and Daddy are Polacks.  Wrenny too.

You are loving school.  You remember your rules: "No hitting, no kicking, no throwing toys."  Most of all though: you love dinosaurs.  You know so many.  You carry them around with you.  You work on the dinosaur puzzle multiple times a day. You pretend like you are a dinosaur sometimes too.

Oh and behaviorally, you are all two right now.  You are testing everything. When I ask you to stop something and you keep doing it, I usually threaten to take something away or send you to time out.  You then offer me the thing or offer to go to time out.  Then when I say okay, you freak out!  Or when I put you in the stroller, you say you want to walk.  Then when I say okay, you say,"no, stroller!"  Oh, to be two.

Nashy, tonight you came searching for me to give me a hug and a kiss.  I know this will not last forever, but I relish your love and sweet side.  I also know how much you are learning by testing us.  You are growing into such a big, little guy.

I love you son,
Mom

NAP: 32 Months

Dear Nash,

Busy boy.  Have I been writing that on your posts for two years now?  It sure feels like it.  If you had it your way, I would only refer to you as Triceratops, T-Rex, Stegosaurus  or one of the other twenty or so dinosaurs that you can name and I cannot. You are dinosaur crazy.  So dinosaur crazy that you sleep with hard plastic dinosaurs.  You will watch only Dino Dan on TV. You can tell us which dinosaurs eat what.  You mimic their sounds and even play with your little dinos.  Obsessed.

To fuel this obsession, we also got you a dinosaur quilt for your big boy bed (twin mattress on the ground).  That's right, the crib is gone.  You climbed out of it about a month ago.  I put you back in, but you were back over faster than I could turn around.  Uncle.  You go to sleep at night with no problem. You do usually wake up at least once in the night and need a little reassurance.  Nap time has been a different story.  You have just resisted, with all of your might. I'd just wash my hands of the nap (though I do love taking one too), but you then fall asleep before dinner and are a tyrant for the rest of the day.  You trash your room, throw toys and clothes and diapers and wipes everywhere.  You rip things off of the wall.  You take books off of the shelves.  You climb on furniture and find dangerous things (nail clippers and scissors). You covered yourself in Vaseline   Really. So, we took everything fun out of your room, bought blackout curtains, out a door knob lock on your door and kept on trying.  For a week, you have taken a nap every day.  Sometimes it takes an hour for you to fall asleep, but it is happening. 

Oh, and more big changes- you have quit the paci!  Your beloved paci!  You started chewing on them and tearing holes in them.  So, I started throwing them away.  One day you took a nap without one and didn't ask for one that night either.  By the time you asked for one in the middle of the night, I just told you that you chewed them all and that they were all gone. That worked.  I think it has been a week now. It is funny how much we stressed over this change and you just took it in stride.

You love reading (especially The Very Hungry Caterpillar), swinging, playing with dinosaurs, and making Sissy laugh.  You have started playing with your friends and you pride yourself in sharing.  Your vocabulary is amazing, but we cannot always understand you still.  Oh, and you LOVE to climb - on everything.

Nashy, we love you so.  You crack us up constantly.  You are testing at every turn, learning constantly, and being a great boy.

I love you,

Mom

NAP: 31 Months

Dear Nash,

What a busy month it has been.  I keep telling myself (and this blog) that I will try to update sooner, but that never happens.  Please just know that I am running after you and toting your sister instead of writing on time.

You are still such a busy boy!  You started mother's day out at the end of August.  You are in the Frog's class.  Each day when you arrive, you take your frog picture and put it on the log.  The first few days, you just went right in and started playing.  Then you caught a cold (imagine that- a cold after the first week of school - so typical!) and things didn't go as smoothly.  But, I hope we are back on track now.  You seem to like your teachers and the tiny bit of structure school provides.

You are very into dinosaurs right now.  You have a few little toys that you carry around any play with.  You frequently talk about T-Rex, Stegosaurus, Triceratops, and a bunch of other ones that I can't even pronounce.  I had no idea that there were so many dinosaurs - tons more than when I was a kid!

You also love watching TV and movies.  You like Wall-E, Toy Story, Ice Age, Dinosaur Train, and Thomas.  Of course, we have to limit this or you would watch TV all of the time.

You also love your boy cousins - Luke and Davis and Luke and Joe in Iowa!  You talk about them constantly.

The terrible twos seem to be upon us.  No is always the first response out of your mouth, before you even think about the question.  You also want to do what you want when you want to do it.  Sounds like your parents to me!  Daddy is ready for you to just listen, but we know that that might be a ways off.  We still do a lot of redirecting, over-explaining, and time-outs, when necessary.

What else...you are directing us which way to drive in the car. You climb on everything, all of the time.  You say "that one this" instead of this or that. You say, "yes, sure, of course" when we offer up something especially awesome. You love your family.  All of it.  When we leave Sissy with Daddy, you ask about her.  At night you recommend I go check on her.  You like "new water" before bed, along with Kiss Goodnight and Stinkyface.

OH and you tell us, "I LOVE YOU!"

Nash, each month brings such wonderful new things.  I hope you'll let me love on you forever and ever, sweet wild boy.

Love,
Mom

NAP: 30 Months

Nash Archer,

You are two-and-a-half! You hear that time flies, but man does it with little kids.  You are growing so quickly.

You are still super busy, except when you are watching movies.  You can sit for an full-length movie, and you would all day long if we let you.  You like pretty much anything you have ever seen, including Nemo, Toy Story, Cars, Dumbo (The flying Ef-e-lint), Meet the Robinsons (Tiny Robbins), and The Chipmunks.  We are so very tired of watching movies.

When you are busy, you love to play trains, build with blocks, watercolor, jump or the trampoline, play in the baby pool, water the yard with the hose, and collect treasures on our walks.  We have noticed that you are quite coordinated with a ball.  For a couple of weeks, you have been bringing us a ruler and a nerf ball, asking us to pitch the ball at you.  You frequently hit it.  Daddy just got you a t-ball and bat.  You are loving playing that in the back yard.

You are into dinosaurs (you name more than I know) and Thomas trains. You like to pretend that dinosaurs are everywhere.  You name their characteristics - sharp teeth, big eyes, how many legs, if they eat meat...ok, you are really into dinosaurs. You got your first Thomas engine for going #2 in the potty.  Percy is taunting you, but you have little interest in trying that again.

You still love fruit as your main food group.  You eat lots of other things too.  We have noticed that you eat just enough for us to let you down from dinner- you'll even take a few bites of the things you don't like.  Then, about 30 minutes later, after we have cleaned up, you'll ask for a PB&J or banana.  Clever.

You speak in full sentences, although words are sometimes not in their proper places.  You like to tell us what's going to happen next.  I frequently give you a sequence of events so that you know what to expect.  You have started giving me directions in the car.  You love to ask for "five more minutes," but sometimes argue for only one minute when we offer five.  That one works in our favor.

You have been playing with our co-op friends, old school friends, and our family friends all summer.  School starts back next week.  I have been trying to prepare both of us, but I am sure it will not be super easy.

You are a wonderful brother.  You bring Sissy toys, give her hugs, tell her good morning and good night.  Other than that, you pretty much go about your own business, though you like to know where she is. I couldn't have asked for a better relationship.

Nashy, we love you to pieces.  When I peek into your crib at night, I know big changes are on the way.  I can't believe how big you are getting.  We are so loving interacting with you and watching your mind work.  We love your enthusiasm and strong will.  We love every bit of your two-and-a-half self.

Love,
Mom

NAP: 29 Months

Dear Nash,

Nashy-poo, Stinky-poo, Nashy, Nashers, Nash Potato.  Those are your names and you respond to them all!  You also sing "Nashy-poo, I love you, You're my little stinky-poo-poo."  Yep, poo poo.  It's already funny!

We have had a busy summer so far.  With a month to go, Mommy's getting nervous about how I am going to keep you entertained, but so far so good.  We have been going to bounce houses, play dates, the pool, playing in our improved back yard, and taking lots of early morning walks.  You and Wren sit in the double for a couple of miles and then I let you walk the last quarter mile.  You have a couple of must-see stops along the way.  Two stops are called "the pretties." The first one has recycled glass in the flower bed and you like to line up the colors.  The next stop is counting the stepping stones.  Then we walk on "the balance beam," which is someone's landscaping timber.  The last, and coolest stop, also called the pretties is a Xeriscaped yard that has little animal figurines, giant balls, groundhog sculpture, a fountain, and a sleeping dragon.  It doesn't get better than that! You are such a good buy and wait for me at every corner (though I don't give you too much space!).

You have been eating like an animal.  You are loving some broccoli, hummus, FRUIT galore, chicken, ketchup (dippy), PB&J, and lots of snacks.

You are still sleeping in your crib.  You sleep pretty well at night, though you have been getting up before 6 am.  You nap for almost 4 hours though! You haven't shown interest in getting out yourself, but I know a big boy bed is on the horizon.  I think you will like that.  I just worry that we won't!

You are making lots of sentences and stringing words together is a thoughtful process.  I am impressed at your quick responses.  Today I asked you what the mobile in your hand was.  You said, "it's the bears to put baby to sleep."  It wasn't super clear, but it was very clear that you understood and could easily convey an idea.  You call dominoes "Daddy Dots," which is super cute.

You still are awesome with Sissy.  You are generally careful around her. You are happy to bring her toys and have started showing her how to play with some things.

Nash, you are one month shy of two-and-a-half.  You are turning into such a big boy.  You are still very into what your interest are and not into what the rest of the world is doing.  You are pretty laid back until direction comes you way.  Them, you are very strong-willed.  Sounds about right for this family.

Sweet boy, we love you dearly.  I love watching you grow and think and learn.

I love you,
Mom

NAP: 28 Months

Dear Nash,
You're cool!  Daddy and I are still really enjoying you being two.  You are active, loud, wild, busy, stubborn, curious, imaginative, and sweet.  You love to watch movies (Shreck, Nemo, Cars, and Horton), play outside, play with blocks, go to Mimi & Buddy's house, play with Grammy & Grampy and swim in their pool, and FaceTime with Midge, Luke, and Davis.  You love all of your relative and name them all, including Mikey, UM, SueSue and all the peeps named above.  You also like to say, "Mommy, Daddy, Nash, Sissy, Gus, Mac, and Zeus. Family!" 

So far, we've been enjoying the summer.  We took a long break to Three Sister's Acres, have spent several weekends with Grammy & Grampy, have played tons in the back yard, and have been on some play dates.  Good times!

You and Sissy (and Mommy) have a summer cold, so we've pretty much been stuck together.  It's been okay though. Lots of cuddling, coloring, movie watching, and some outside time before the heat sets in.  As soon as Daddy gets home, it's play time!

Speaking of Sissy, you are super sweet to her. When she was in the swing, you became very concerned (you don't like the swing) and demanded, over and over, that we "Take Wren out."  You never call her wren.  I guess that's your serious talk!  You also like to give her hugs, let her tough your arms (she has cute little curious fingers) and take her toys.  You are a great brother.

You are counting to 10, trying to count to 20, saying and identifying your ABCs, using your imagination to look for butterflies and dinosaurs, listening to books like crazy, enjoying books where you find things, singing, dancing, jumping (new trampoline), and swimming (with Daddy).

Nashy, you are a wild one and we love you so.

Love,
Mom

NAP: 27 Months

Dear Nash,
Terrible twos?  Really?  We think you are pretty awesome.  Daddy and I were just saying how much we love this age.  You are talking like crazy.  You are forming sentences, asking questions at relevant moments, and even cracking jokes.  You tell us all about looking for dinosaurs, butterflies, dragonflies, bees, and spiders.  Today when I was brushing Zeus, the shedding pug, you said, "What are you doing?"  And yesterday when you were playing trains with Daddy, you held a curved piece up to your mouth like a smile!  Where did that come from?!

Now, don't get me wrong, this age has it's challenges.  You constantly test the limits.  You demand TV constantly.  Also, if you aren't feeling well, watch out!  Literally.  I get beat up on regularly when you feel crummy.  But, a couple of rounds of time out usually cure this issue.

I bring up feeling crummy because you finally had tubes put in.  Daddy and I did really well about not getting too worked up.  I did cry when they took you from me.  You cried in the nurse's arms as she carried you away.  I prayed and waited anxiously for 10 whole minutes.  The the doctor came and told us that you did great.  You had fluid on your ears even though you hadn't had an infection in weeks.  We are guessing that you had fluid on your ears for 6 or more months.  About 10 minutes after that you were back in my arms, snuggling, and drinking apple juice.  By the time we got home, you were ready to eat and play.  Amazing.

You are also getting your 2-year molars.  As usual, you are having a hard time with this.  We are giving you pain meds at night and trying to distract you during the day.  I hope they come quickly.

You just started to play trains with Daddy and you love going outside with him.  You love Sissy (you wont let me call her Siggy anymore).  You are pretty attached to me right now, especially before bed. 

You have started eating more and will even try whatever vegetable we put in front of you.  Your favorite books are the Llama books and Kiss Goodnight from SueSue.  You love to facetime Midge, Luke, Davis, and Mimi and we Skyped Grammy and Grampy the other day.  Now, each time I open my computer, you say, "Talk to Grammy or Where Grammy?"

You love your people, that's for sure. And we love you. I especially love your hugs and snuggles. I am trying to soak them in, as I know one day you will think you are too big for my lap. But, if you read this, know that I will always find room.

Love,
Mom

WDP: 4 Months

Dear Wren,
Sweet girl.  How on Earth does time fly so quickly?  I simply cannot believe you are 4+ months old.  Yet, I feel like you have always been a part of our life.

You are growing so fast.  You weigh 13.4 lbs.  You are a little chunk, even though you are 50th percentile.  Your eyes glow and when you smile, you make everyone around you smile.  You have started full on giggling, especially when I laugh.

You are an amazing sleeper.  I hope I don't shoot myself in the foot by typing this.  You eat for the last time in the evening between 7 and 8 and sleep until about 6 am.  I do start putting your paci back in for an hour or so before that. Usually you can hold out for a little longer, but if not, you get up, eat, and go right back to sleep.  You don't really nap well, unless I nap with you.  Twist my arm!  I love to nap and cuddle with you.

You have had a resurgence of reflux in the past few weeks.  It took me a while to identify and then it hit me square in the face.  I asked the doc for a prescription and you are finally doing better. You still don't like many other people (including Daddy, most of the time), but you do like Midge.  I think we fool you.  Now, can you please talk Midge into moving in for a little while?

You still don't love tummy time, but now that the medicine is working, we will be working more on your motor skills.  You do take your paci in and out of your mouth.  I call that genius.

You are still 100% breast fed, but we will be introducing solids soon.  That should be fun.

Wrenny Wren, I wish I could slow time down, even just a little.  I love holding you tight, letting you fall asleep on me, your little frog legs, and your huge gummy smile when you spot me in the morning.  You are such a sweet light in our life.
We love you,
Mom

NAP: 26 Months

Dear Nash,
So, I am just about 3 weeks behind on this one.  I am sorry, son.  Life has just gotten to be so full that writing has taken a back seat.  But, it is important to me to write to you each month.  You are so incredibly special and cool.  I want you to know how each month has changed.

You have been a bit of a challenge this month.  You contracted ear infection one zillion (actually it's your third in the past 4 months).  We tried to fight that cold, but the infection set in anyway.  You were such a big boy and let us squirt saline in your nose.  You would say, "quick, quick" and then negotiate for candy before finally letting us spray the saline.

Speaking of talking, you talk a lot.  You are forming sentences and chatting like crazy.  You have always been chatty, but now we kind of know what you are saying.

Daddy built a deck out back and you love to go outside and play.  We eat breakfast out there, play several times a day outside, and always end our evenings outside.  It's great!  You are really enjoying the weather and being barefoot.

We had a bit of trouble with you hitting and throwing toys.  After seeing Dr. Patil, she suggested longer time outs.  You despise them.  They are working!  After a few days of multiple time outs, you are down to one or no timeouts.  You are also trying to use your words more when you are frustrated.  Mommy and Daddy are also learning to let you try to figure things out.  We are also learning to walk away from fits.

You are so in love with your sister.  It's adorable.  You always tell her that you are being sweet.  You are sweet.  We just have to watch out that your noggin doesn't unintentionally hurt her!

Son, in sickness and tantrum, we love you so.  You are growing so quickly and watching you figure this world out is a gift you give us constantly.  You are awesome.

Love,
Mom

WDP: 3 Months

Wrenny Wren,

You are three months old tomorrow. Wow.

Life has been so busy that I simply cannot believe that I was waiting, not very patiently, for you only 3 months ago.

You are not very demanding, but when you need something, you make it known. You are generally laid back and love to be on the go, or at least that's when you seem to relax the most.

I amlost exclusively call you Sis or Sister, but I think your name fits you so well. You are just gorgeous.

You are still eating almost every two hours during the day, and only waking once in the night to eat. Have I mentioned that you are a plump little baby? You have the cutest rolls all over! I have finally transitioned you to the bassinet from the swing. I am swaddling you, which you are not super find of, but you sleep so much better that way. I love when we unswaddle you how you stretch and stretch and stretch. You are so adorable. No matter what time it is, you look to meet my eyes and give me a huge smile.

Mimi and I heard you laugh the other day. Daddy heard one last weekend. Such sweet noise!

Wren, you love watching your brother. When he kisses you, you just smile. I hope that lasts forever.

You are holding your neck up very well and are trying to sit up. It's crazy! I have been told that you will reach milestones sooner because you are watching brother, but please don't grow up too quickly. You are also watching your fists, keeping your feet in the air, trying to hold weight on your legs, and grasping objects.

Baby girl, as a Mom, I wondered how you would fit into the family, how our dynamic would change, how I could spread my love. How easy that part has been. You just fit right in. You were always meant to be a part of this wild little family.

We love more than you will ever know,

Mom

NAP: 25 Months

Dear Nash,

I am a couple weeks late on this. We are busy. You are the main factor in that, you busy boy!

Let's see. You are talking in sentences. They are pretty basic, but sentences nonetheless. One of my favorite things that you say when you are looking for something, "_____, Where ARE you?" You talk to us about your movies. "Watch a mooovie." is probably the most used verse right now. You were exclusively watching Cars, but now you only want to watch Horton Hears a Who. ALL. THE. TIME. There were a few parts that made you cry, but now you just say, "The mayor's okay." You tell us what's going to happen in the next scene.

You have also started singing with us. You love the Wheels on the Bus, and Sippin' Cider. It's really cute to hear you draw out the syllables in words.

You still love to go outside. Climbing and walking and exploring are your favorite things. You now really enjoy slides, but still wont go near a swing. I think you just move too much to be confined. You are quite the little dare devil and get right back up when you fall. You make Mommy very nervous sometimes.

You are becoming more adventurous with food and trying green beans, carrots, cucumbers, and beans. Almost every time we get in the car, you request chicky fries (chic-fil-a). You love fruit, lactose-free yogurt, chips, pretzels, oatmeal, cinnamon rolls, cereal, PB&J, nuts, and popsicles.

Nash, you run everywhere! There is never a need to walk when you can run! Sometimes you walk backwards too. You are pretty coordinated.

You still love school. You name the girls in your class and your teachers when we ask about school. You also love the crafts and are proud to bring them home and hang them up.

You love Sister and love to give her kisses. You also love to hold and play with her toys and sit in her swing and bouncer. Uh-oh!

Sweet boy, after cutting your long hair last week, you looked like such a big boy to me. I cannot believe how quickly you are growing. Having Sister has reminded me how quickly time flies. We are enjoying (almost- you do whine!) every single moment with you.

Love,

Mom

sleepy at the kite festival

WDP: 2 Months

Dear Wren,

I am not sure when it happened, but you evolved from a screaming ball of fiery energy into a sweet, chubby baby girl. It must have happened gradually, somewhere around the 6 or 7 week mark. Before then, we were up with you all night and holding you all day. You cried constantly. All. The. Time. Then I noticed you were happier in the carrier. And then you were happier laying flat. And then you were just happier! Thank God.

You are a little bundle of joy. You eat, sleep, coo, smile, and let us know when you need something. You love to look around and catch the gaze of your peeps. You love looking at Brother, finding Daddy's face when you hear his voice, and instantly perk up when our eyes meet. You even smile in the middle of the night for diaper changes.

Your schedule is pretty sporadic, except that you eat about every 2 hours during the day, take at least one long nap during the day, like your evening bath, then food, then bed. You wake once in the night to eat, then back to sleep for at least a couple of hours. Sometimes I feed you in bed and we snuggle until it's time to crawl out. For the most part, you still sleep in the swing, which I attribute to much of your reflux success. It's time to start trying the bassinet. One day at a time.

At your two-moth check-up, you were 22" (25-50th%), 11lbs (50th%), and your head was 39cm (50%). Sounds about perfect to me!

Some things just come easier with you: nursing, schedules, bed time, knowing what to do - mostly because I have a better idea of what I am doing. Some things are harder: like slowing down and taking time to play. When Brother naps, we get about an hour to coo and chat. I love that time with you. I also love rubbing your fuzzy head, nibbling on those cheeks, and holding you until you fall asleep.

Daddy and I are working our tails off these days. We have been making time each evening to take you and Brother on walks, have dinner, and spend a little quality time together. We hope all of this hard work will pay off and mean more time with you both.

Wren, you are a delight. Your twinkling eyes warm my heart. You make our family feel even more perfect.

We love you,

Mom

NAP: 24 Months

Dear Nash,

Holy Cow! You are TWO! Happy birthday, sweet son.

We had two birthday parties to celebrate your big day. The first one was in Houston with your Davison relatives. We had cake, a bounce house, a pinata, lots of presents, and loads of family love. It was unreal how much Mimi, Buddy, Midge, UM, SueSue, Michael, and your cousins did to make your big day feel special. Then last weekend we had a party at a bounce house with all of your friends. Grammy and Grampy also came into town to celebrate with us. You had so much fun!

Let's see...you are still talking and chatting up a storm. You are using more and more words and forming sentences nicely. Your favorite is, "Gus ate poo poo." Nice. You know your colors, letters, and numbers, though you don't always like to practice. You love to read books still, are really enjoying playing musical instruments, especially the guitar, and LOVE the kitchen Davis handed down to you. Also, your have expanded your boob tube repertoire to include Cars, the movie.

We got you a balance bike and helmet for your birthday. We are looking forward to lots of outside time this spring. You love to climb at the park and are now going down slides., You still don't like the swings though.

Nash, you love your little sister. You kiss her head at least a dozen times each day. You also love her pacifiers! You steal them whenever possible, which requires sanitation. You think it is so funny!

You are still a picky eater and ALWAYS request chicky and fires (presumably from chic-fil-a), which you eat with dippy (ketchup). You do not like vegetables and cannot even be bribes to eat them. You love fruit and go through it like a little zoo animal. You constantly request cantaloupe, strawberries, oranges, and bananas.

You are testing the limits of not listening, sharing, and hitting. We have recently begun time out with a timer and guess what? It works! You sit in the corner, unhappily, and then repeat back to us what you did to get yourself in that situation. I am so proud that you understand this.

You are still our little wild child and we love that about you. You never sit still! You are constantly playing, exploring, getting sillies out, and making messes. It's so fun to watch you grow and learn. You are also super sweet and love to "hold" (give hugs) and kiss. Sometimes you even request that I rock you. I love snuggling you.

Nash, we are looking forward to the next year. You grow so much each month. We cannot imagine the fun we're going to have.

You're my favorite boy in the entire world. I love you,

Mom

NAP: 23 Months

Dear Nash,

What a month it has been. We all welcomed your new sister, or sistagee or sisty as you call her. You seem to really like her and you love to give her kisses.

Unfortunately you were mighty sick when she came home. You only had a nasty cold, but keeping you away from sister and not being able to hold and cuddle you non-stop was a challenge. Thankfully you are feeling much better.

You really enjoyed having your people here over the holidays. You have picked out Grampy as your new best friend, though Mimi and Grammy are faves too. You finally warmed up to Buddy too!

This was the Christmas of trains. You got a train table from Santa and a real train set from Mimi and Buddy. You have really been enjoying your trains and making trains out of other things that you request we push around the house like storage containers and laundry baskets. Mimi taught you to say "All Aboard!" While it's hard on our backs, we oblige.

My energy level is finally getting better, though I have not figured out the balance of having two children, one that likes to be held constantly. You are generally really good about this, but other times show you need attention by clearing the train table in one fell swoop. You have been playing with Daddy lots and have been having a really good time outside on the nice days.

You are talking like crazy. There's nothing in your world you can't communicate in one way or another. You love reading. You can identify all of your letters and numbers to 10. You know all of your colors. You really enjoy singing songs with hand motions and have started dancing more.

You love school and have a favorite little friend. You like to play, jump, go outside, play in the truck, play tug of war with the dogs, and watching elmo and gabby (Yo Gabba Gabba). You are still a picky eater; part of that is our fault...we just go with what's easy.

Nash, your intelligence and newly budding imagination is pretty awesome. You are so observatory and talkative. You are sweet and cuddly and wild too. You have already shown that you are going to be a good brother. I look forward to the days when I can find a better balance and be more hands-on with you again.

I love you dearly,

Mom

NAP: 22 Months

Dear Nash,

I am really loving this age. I always love you, but darn, you're fun right now.

You are chatty, though we still don't always know what you are talking about. When we don't understand, you say "hand" and take our hands and lead us to what you want. You now pronounce your name as "Natch." When I point to a picture of you and ask who that is, you say "you." We will work on our pronouns! You know all of your people and dogs by name. You even chat about family members that you haven't seen in a while. When I ask you if you are handsome, you give us the most toothy smile.

You love to learn and constantly want to practice shapes, colors, numbers, and letters on our iPhones, puzzles, with bath toys, coloring on paper, songs, counting fingers, and on and on!

You are mischievous when you want our attention; time outs in your room (for 60 seconds) work sometimes, though we still redirect you more than anything.

You love school and walk right in most days. You have a little crush on a little girl. You seem to like your teachers, making craft projects, and playing outside. While you love to climb, especially on jungle gyms, you are not super adventurous and stay away from swings and slides. You love bounce houses.

You are an extremely picky eater. You are also very strong-willed. This means you'd rather not eat than eat some of our dinners. It's painful for me. I do not like to upset you but I need you to try new things. We'll keep working on it.

You might have a sense that something is going on little sister-wise. You are super clingy to me, though once you get to playing with Dad, you are always so happy. The weather has been dreary and you've been sick (shocker!), so you frequently request to get into our bed and watch TV, usually Gabby (Yo Gabba Gabba). It's pretty sweet, though I don't want to make a couch potato of you. We get lots of snuggles in then too.

Nash, you are so fun and so amazing to watch grow. You make each day an adventure and some a challenge as well. You make us laugh all of the time. You are the best entertainment and most deserving thing our pride and love.

We love you,

Mom

NAP: 21 Months

Dear Nash,

Sweet, wild, busy, strong-willed, creative, chatty, busy, silly, serious, defiant, loving, smart, beautiful boy. We are so in love with you. I see so much of myself in you. I think Daddy does too.

Let's see...you are loving school. You go right in, sometimes cry for a second, but have a really great time, are super happy when I pick you up, and make fun craft projects. When Daddy comes home from work, you spend at least 5 minutes chatting to him all about your day. We generally have no idea what you are saying when you speak in very long stretches, but it's pretty darn hilarious, though sometimes you mean for it to be serious.

Your sleep is kind of off. You have your canine teeth coming in and they really seems to bother you. You have had a hard time with each and every tooth it seems. Not fun. You are eating popsicles and ice chips now though. They seem to help some. You are a very particular eater. You don't like many carbs. You don't like vegetables. You don't like food to touch other food. Feeding you is fun!

You really enjoy climbing and being outside. You ask for "hands" to "cross the street." Sometimes, you just make a run for it though. We are always watching! You also like to color and play with stickers or "stickies" as you call them. You are learning to help some and like to give the dogs treats and put their gate up.

You love to get "up" in Mommy and Daddy's bed and watch either "Elmo" (Sesame Street) or "Gabby" (Yo Gabba Gabba). You probably watch more TV than you should, but that's the way it goes with an 8 mos pregnant Mommy. Sorry. You still love to read, especially by yourself and a few select books with Daddy and me.

You are very independent, in the sense that you like to lead the way. Also, when you get your mind set on something, you don't give it up! Tantrums are in full swing. You like time out, so we're going to have to figure out other ways to discipline.

Nash, I am so nervous and excited to see how you are going to react to being a big brother. I am looking forward to spending the holidays at home with you and our little family. I hope you don't take all this change too hard. Whatever happens, we love you and all of your wild ways!

Love,

Mom

NAP: 20 Months

Dear Nash,

TWENTY (months)! That's OLD. How did this happen?

You are growing so quickly. Since recovering from several bouts of illness, you have been eating like a horse. When you wake up, your first word is "food." You ask for food at least 10 times a day. You are still a very picky eater--no vegetables, very few grains, no pasta, no rice, and now no milk, at all. We even tried chocolate milk. No dice. So, in the mornings you have V8 (fruit/veggie mix) and we get some calcium in with lactose-free yogurt, but it's getting tricky to get you proper nutrition. You do eat fruit like it's going out of style, spoon fulls of peanut butter, chicken, meatballs, and cake. See, I lied and told you that anything sweet is cake. Now you walk around demanding "more cake," and it's so cute I don't want to correct you.

You are starting to like school more. You still melt when we drop you off, but by the time I come to get you, you are happily playing on the playground and have lots to tell me. Speaking of telling lots, boy do you talk. Most of the time we have no idea what you are saying still. I can decipher more than other people. You don't care. You talk, and talk, and talk. When you see someone you haven't seen in a few hours or days or weeks, you chat with them and tell them all about what you've been up to. Every day when Daddy comes home you reflect on our day. It's adorable!

You climb on everything. I have heard that you have to be reminded lots not to climb at school. You still love to read. We recently were given a bunch of new books from your cousins. You found one in particular that you love and you mandate that we read it several times a day. After that, you go page by page naming the baby animals. I love that you call that little horse a foal. Smart boy.

You still love outside, taunting your dogs, throwing all of the shampoo bottles in the bathtub, Elmo, Yo Gabba Gabba, brushing your teeth, cardboard boxes, helping, music, dancing, and spinning until you are dizzy.

All this moving means you are also sleeping well. You go down between 8 and 8:30 and sleep until 6:30 or 7. Then you take anywhere between 2 and 3 hours for a nap. Many times you kick me out of your room after I put you in your crib by blowing kisses and saying, "Bye!"

Little boy, we are about to change your life drastically with this little sister. Twenty months means we are one month closer to that day. I hope you adjust well. I hope I have enough love, time, and patience to spread. I hope you don't feel left out. I hope you feel that my love for you is infinate and that nothing will ever change that.

Love,

Mom

NAP: 19 Months

Dear Nash,

My goodness. You, and Dad, and I have had a ridiculous couple of months. You had hand/foot/mouth and then an ear infection, Dad was hospitalized for a bacterial infection, and just last week you were also diagnosed with a bacterial infection. It manifested itself as a serious rash all over and a low-grade fever. You were very unhappy and the rash spread very quickly. I was worried you might have chicken pox (surely it couldn't have been hand/foot/mouth again!). Because of this the doctor's office ushered us in a back door and treated us like secret patients. The news was very scary: the Doc thinks you probably picked up what Dad had. Because they never officially tested Dad and only treated him, you had to be tested for MRSA, which is a scary staph virus. For the next 4 days, we were worried sick, quarantined, bathing you in Clorox, slathering you in antibiotic cream, and giving you oral antibiotics. On Friday we learned that you did NOT have it, but had some sort of less severe bacterial infection that has been responding beautifully to medicine. Whew!

In these weeks, you started school, though you have missed about half of the days so far. Because of the infection, your sleeping patterns have been very off and you were getting tired at about 10:30 at school. The teacher's helpers were so sweet and rocked you! Your teacher, Ms. Angela, says you are the chattiest one and she loves how you say "okay," for yes. We love that too.

Speaking of chatty, you are! You blab on and on and on. We know what some things are, but basically your sentence structure goes something like this: "Ahbdakjhd asjd frjgir skfjsd sfjij HOTDOG." Or " ZEUS djgndj skfjdsifj skji NO." or "Gkajsi seirhwif HAPPY jadjfjd KNOW IT." We are working hard on your manners so please, thank you, and sorry are repeated to you lots.

You have been coloring up a storm, though sometimes you like to test out the windows and furniture as drawing surfaces. This leads to time out and revocation of free-reign of the crayons. That you do not like. Thank goodness for washable crayons. We have also been playing with stickers, sorting shapes, and singing more (Happy and You Know It, Shoo Fly, and She'll Be Coming Round the Mountain are your faves). We haven't been playing outside tons because of the heat, but expect that to change very soon.

Your appetite is nil. Thanks antibiotics (insert sarcasm here). We're really trying to get you to eat anything at all. Your tummy is upset and we think you are avoiding food so that your stomach does't get more upset. We're changing serious diapers around the clock...even in your sleep!

Your hair is getting really long. Soon we will be at a crossroads: cut or let it be. It's a toss up right now as it's kind of poofy, but I am hoping the length will soon weigh it down. It's such great hair! You also have all but your canine teeth, which you love to brush several times a day. You are a seriously cute boy.

All this quarantine time has done two things: made you sweeter and made you more strong-willed. I love getting all of your kisses, hugs, and love. Your determination reminds me of myself. Sometimes it is frustrating, but you usually respond well to being corrected and we move on. Seriously, I understand it; you've been cooped up with me for a long time! We will get out starting tomorrow, I promise.

Nashy, we wonder at your intelligence, spirit, sensitivity, and will every day. We are so honored to be your parents. We're a little worried about the coming months and you meeting your little sister, but we know that it will be great for both of you as the years go on. We love, love, love you, little monkey.

Love, Mom

NAP: 18 Months

Dear Nash,

You are WILD. At one and a half years, you are running the show. If you are not running, climbing, or getting into everything in the house, you must be watching Elmo. That's the only thing you will settle down for. Notice I wrote settle. You aren't even still when watching TV either. You are climbing onto everything, which can be a little scary for us. You also are getting to be more adventurous at the park and trying to slide down big slides by yourself (insert heart attack for me).

You have been sick for two whole stinking weeks now. You have had hand/foot/mouth which manifests itself as a rash (only on your hands and feet) and low-grade fever. It also lead to inflammation in your sinuses and an ear infection with high fever. Your HFM is very contagious so we have been home for TWO WEEKS. You and I both are about to go stir crazy. Luckily the mornings have been cool so we can walk outside and in the evenings we play in the water. Don't tell the utility company; we're on water restrictions.

You are talking like crazy. You ask for help to get on the bed, pull out the tent, or anything you could use a hand with. You also offer your help to feed the dogs, help us type on the computer, and take out the trash. What a sweet guy you are! You have started singing songs and will fill in the blanks on Shoo Fly, Hot Dog, Baby Bumble Bee, and Twinkle, Twinkle. You like music a lot.

You have also become quite cuddly. You give great hugs, love kisses, and snuggle more than ever before. I absolutely melt for those hugs and kisses and Da loves to snuggle with you in the mornings. You also blow kisses and kiss some of your stuffed animals. You pat the pugs and are generally very good to them. Don't get me wrong, you are still quite mischievous and like to play in the water bowl, destruct toys, and climb and hide. I am pretty sure that you will be just like your cousins and spell the word TROUBLE first.

We go for your check up next week and while I am sure you have grown tons, you're still my little guy. You eat like a horse and now constantly ask for food. Veggies are still a strict no, but you love meat and fruit. Carbs are sporadic as well.

You start Mother's Day Out at the end of this month. I am excited and nervous, but know you will love it. You already love to read, draw, and play with other children. Hopefully you will love those things when I am not around too. We'll see!

Nash, Da and I are having so much fun with you. You certainly keep us on our toes. And laughing. And wondering. And hoping. And praying. And dreaming. For too many things to count.

I love you,

Mommy

NAP: 17 Months

Dear Nash,

You are such a sweet, wild, busy boy. You are running, climbing, "jumping," talking, babbling, tickling, cuddling, hugging, kissing, demanding, asking, and listening (sometimes).

Your vocabulary is awesome. Tonight in the bath, you told me what a Q, 7, 2, and O are. These must be the same letters/numbers that have been in the tub for a while, but still! You imitate lots of words and say lots of words on your own too. You say "Pigeon", "Were pas at?," "Where Da go?" and lots of commands at the dogs. In the past couple of weeks you have also started calling me Ma. You have said it occasionally for several months, but now you look for me and call my name. Sweet, sweet music to my ears.

We have been spending a lot of time indoors because of the heat, so we have re-familiarized ourselves with your books, toys, and are playing with more puzzles, balls, musical instruments, etc. Your favorite thing, by far, is watching Elmo, or Mo as you call him. We have several recorded on the TV and you demand to watch Mo probably upwards of 10 times a day. Needless to say, that does not happen, but 2-3 times does (they are each 15 mins).

You are giving lots of hugs. When I ask for a kiss, you give me your cheek! You also are a bit clingy now by holding on to my legs or snuggling in close when we go somewhere new or you meet new people. I don't mind, except when I have to leave you (with other Mamas for an hour or so while I work). It breaks my heart, but I hear you are fine after a couple of minutes.

You have lots of teeth, most on the right side of your mouth, though the left ones seem to be coming in now too. In the past month you got the right teeth next to the big ones and your right molars. The left ones are peeking through and giving us some trouble.

This month we went to Mimi and Buddy's for a weekend, to Colorado for a week (you went on your first plane ride!), and hung out with Grandma and Grandpa a few times. We also played lots with our friends and even had two sets of guests (Midge, Luke, and Davis & the Walters Family).

Nash, you won't understand this for a long time, but you also have a little brother or sister coming in a few months. We are so excited for both of you to have a sibling. I know that this isn't going to be easy for you for a while, but someday, you'll thank us, hopefully. We know that you will be an awesome big brother.

Sweet boy, I already dread the day that you move away and I can't check on you (and monkey, blankie, and two pacis) nightly. I want to hold you close to me forever and ever. And I will.

Love,

Mom