3.14.11 Today you are my sick little boy. I am so proud of how well you take medicine (you actually love it and if it wasn't supposed to be given in moderation, it would be a great incentive for you). I have discovered a natural honey elixir for sore throats and coughs. It has the most putrid smell, but you even take this down in stride, calling it your "Bee Medicine." We watched a lot of movies and did a lot of reading today to help you rest up for your upcoming birthday playdate on Thursday. One of your favorite books right now is "Mother Goose's Nursery Rhymes" and this really warms Mama's heart because it was my favorite book at age 2 as well (I still have my original copy stored on a shelf in your room). You LOVE to fill in the rhyming words of the rhymes and can even say most lines yourself now. Your top favorites would be "Simple Simon" (probably because its about pie!), "Wee Willie Winkie,"and "Goosey, Goosey Gander."
3.15.11 We were lucky enough to be able to celebrate Grandpa's 53rd birthday with him today! Bella made a scrumptious meal for all of us to enjoy at their house that evening. You were so sweet when you greeted Grandpa at the door and perfectly said, "Happy birthday, Gwram-pa." He recently got to babysit you a few weeks ago when Mama and Papa went on their Babymoon; he was so giddy to get you all to himself and said you were absolutely perfect for him. We got him a gift card to iHop so he can take you on your special pancake dates. You are so lucky to have such an affectionate, caring, and thoughtful Grandpa in your life!
3.16.11 Mama is trying to wrestle you into your P.J.'s before bed tonight. I love our bedtime routine. Papa almost always gives you a bath and then we all read stories together on the couch. We usually switch off putting you to bed. At 36 weeks, it has gotten fairly difficult for me to rock you. My saving grace has been the new rocker that we recently purchased; you love to be rocked in it and sung to. Your top request for a song right now is "Somewhere Over the Rainbow," though I almost always sing "You are My Sunshine" and "Jesus Loves You." You have such a soft spirit when we pray together...after Mama prays, we pray for all the family and friends in your life. You LOVE this part and are fairly good at remembering and citing all your relatives' names.
3.17.11 Today was your "stache bash." Mama was so thankful for how GOOD you were ALL week as I prepared all the details for your party. While you love to have us sit with you, you are also a very independent toddler and can play for long periods of time on your own. A few weeks ago, you were having some very hard days and hormones seeming to be raging. Mama did some praying, reading, and consulting of her Mama mentors and cracked down with the consistency of time-outs. They are still very effective with you. You will sit where placed (even in public) and most of the time put your hands in your lap; tears are often involved, but I always get down at eye level with you after 2 minutes and talk to you about how you can choose better next time. A kiss, hug, and "I love you" end your time-out and you love to say "Sorry, Mama."
3.18.11 Tonight we had the Fergusons, Ogdens and Dicuses over for dinner. You wanted nothing to do with the "crowd" and purposely separated yourself from the chaos. After a few hours, however, you had warmed up and were running around the table with Roy and June. Here you are laughing at your Papa's silly antics. We've been around so many siblings recently that are very close in age, just like you and your baby sister will be. I am praying that you and her will be the best of buds...
3.19.11 You were quite the sailor today. Mama's hips were extremely sore and we decided to spend a few hours just sitting and hanging out in Dana Point Harbor on Papasan's boat. Grandma made a surprise appearance and we had a lovely afternoon together. She is so good at getting down on your level and playing imaginatively with you. Papasan was super sweet to make you hot chocolate (though we now think it might be the one thing you're allergic to) in a sippy cup and "catch" you a fish from a neighboring boat's bait tank.
3.20.11 Music is a very integral part of your young life. From the early moments of the morning, we almost always have Pandora Radio playing in our house. You request songs immediately in the car and don't really like for it to be quiet. Your current favorites are "Strawberry Swing" (Coldplay) and "Hey" as you've termed it (Lady Antebellum). You can cite several bands when you hear songs, such as Jack Johnson and The Beatles. You LOVE to hear Papa play guitar and crack up when he makes up songs about you. Sometimes you randomly retrieve the large guitar all by yourself and drag it over (picks included) to play your ABC's on it. You have gotten extremely good at playing the harmonica thanks to Papa's instruction. In front of close family members, you love to show off and sing us songs you know...saying "Yayyyyy" after each one and clapping loudly. May you always enjoy the gift of music, my joyful son!
