Love you.

We've been having a blast with the recent snow. Your Uncle Chris and Matt came over. They all took turns pulling you in the sled, rolling around with you, trying to show you how amazing the snow is. Also I haven't been working so much so more time for you we've spent so much time just cuddling together and reading books. We were all sick once again, no fun there. Mommy starts coughing though and there you are rubbing my back lovingly. You are very good about coughing into your arm since we taught you that. Lately you have started saying "no" allot. We don't know where you've gotten it, probably school, since we don't really use it that often with you. It's really so cute though and Dad and I have a hard time not laughing, or even just smiling, because your mouth forms this perfect little "o" and it's "nooooooooOOOO" you say shaking your head emphatically. This morning you were very specific about me not just giving you soy milk but your chocolate soy (which is a super green food powder for kids that has cocoa in it). It was really amazing to me since you were using your own word for it and I didn't understand so I lifted you up and you got it out of the fridge and then grabbed the soy also. You know everyone's names:
Nana
Papa
Col Col (Aunt Colleen)
Kiss (Chris)
Keg (Craig)
Matt
Lynn
Jason
Mike
and we are working furiously on Grandma and Grandpa. They will be here this next weekend though and I'm sure you will get it right away this time. Seems Gama and Gampa are easier though. We'll see if they go for that for now. Riding in the car you are adamant about giving back your snack or drink to me when you are finished. You certainly like everything just so. You've picked right back up on potty training. We definitely are letting you lead us there and aren't pushing you but we are really surprised by you. You continue to be super affectionate to everyone and that makes me prouder than anything. To see the outward expression of what I first felt about your spirit since holding you inside me, is a joy.

Little Kandinsky....

Originally uploaded by Kate Treap

THIS is too much fun with you. In fact when you get up from your nap today, after you eat, then run around outside for the benefit of sunshine and fresh air. We are coming in and going crazy with the paints again whilst I get dinner on. Daddy is definitely going to have to score a big roll of paper for down the hallway. At first you were very tentative and didn't want it all over your hands. Just your pointer fingers dipping in. Of course that was short lived as you realized how cool the squishy-gushy feeling is.

So sad.

So sad.

Originally uploaded by Kate Treap

There is a lot more of this going on that your Father and I enjoy. Still, we know the root of it is just age appropriate inability to communicate all the things you think an feel and that it's rough on you. We calmly just get on your level and get eye contact with you... talk it out, empathize, give you some love, find a distraction. You are using more and more words but I'm really going to focus on some sign language to go with the emotions so maybe that will help when you get frustrated.

Cooking with my baby

Cooking with my baby
Originally uploaded by Kate Treap

You are very much in bay-bee mode as of late. When we are out and about if you hear them cry you softly sing out: Bay-bee! You like seeing them on tv. You want to carry them around and do what Daddies and Mommies do. You have a very caring spirit.

Too late at night for a thorough update...

Well work has been slow for me and that's a blessing really. You and I have been out and about more, getting together with friends and that's just what I've needed lately. It sure is cold and that definitely narrows the possibility of even going for an afternoon walk. I'm normally not a wuss but I can't see letting your cheeks and nub of a nose chapped in 10 degree weather. No need for that. Starting tomorrow I'm really gonna push for getting everything ship shape. I mean seriously, there is lots you and I could be doing around the house that I just keep putting off.

Let's see, what's new with you...? Oh, one incisor barely poking through. Happily going to school. Consistently waking at 6, blah! In your "oh-oh" phase. Can play "bye-bye" with me for 45 mins straight, which is fine because I get so many kisses this way. You are using the potty here and there. You are definitely go back and forth between willingness and surprise when something happens, to total disinterest and adamant "no way Mom"s.

Happy Anniversary...

Originally uploaded by Kate Treap

Grandma and Grandpa had a new variation to their usual Anniversary celebration this year... you! Rather evident that they enjoyed it, don't ya think? I would imagine it to be a new tradition emerging. Next year we will really have to plan better/ahead and throw a celebration. Love is always cause of honor.

The Greatest Christmas Gift of all...

Originally uploaded by Kate Treap

We would all agree it's you. Not only watching you with your Nana, Papa, Grandma, Grandpa, Uncles Chris and Craig and Auntie Colleen but for your Dad and I it was "the best Christmas yet" because we got to see you acknowledge and enjoy it. You did so good being gentle to the tree and only took the golf club to it once. All the ornaments remained not only in tact but safely on the tree. You especially liked it when someone would pick you up and show you the higher ornaments. You definitely got the hang of opening packages after the first three.

You did really good with so much company. Without a doubt you enjoyed lots of attention and having more people at your beck and call. We are settling back into just you and me kiddo and you are wanting and needing lots of cuddle time with me even through the night. That hasn't been too pleasant. You had been going down w/o a whimper and sleeping straight until 4 and then up for some water and back down until 7 before the snow and holiday. I definitely look forward to getting back to that.

There was a tiny bit of snow yesterday, just a dusting. But your Uncle Chris excitedly called immediately thinking and planning sledding with you if it amounted to more.

Today Daddy heads back and it's only 11 degrees out. No fun at all. Not to mention I want to get us out and about but that's a bit extreme. I figure we will at least run to the store or something.

Depends on if I get my hours in today/tonight, but I really should take down the tree tonight. Not something I'm looking forward to. No fun. Anyway, what a splendid Christmas.