Some Healthy Competition

Last Saturday, 3/10/12, you had your first bowling game. Not only did you enjoy pushing the ball down the lane to no end, but you also scored pretty well, especially for a 2 year old! Don't downplay this win too much; not only did you beat your 5 year old friend, Jack, but you beat his 30 year old Daddy as well. Congrats little one!

You had another first just today. Instead of sliding down your stairs on your little tushie like you normally do, you walked all the way down by yourself. I was ready to catch what was left of you at the bottom of the stairs, but you made it down in the exact same number of pieces you started at the top.

Your Mommy and I are in a daily state of disbelief at how quickly you learn and how much you grow. We're very cliched as parents I'm sure, but incredibly proud of you none-the-less!

Just a little advice free of charge, and worth every penny.

It is absolutely ok to feel however you are feeling—glad, sad, happy, mad—they're all ok. What's not ok is to act based solely on how you're feeling. You have to incorporate your intellect and reason into your action. Master this one thing and you'll be far ahead of the pack. Honest. 

Two Reasons to be Proud

First of all, I can't believe what you ate for dinner. I know several people who would have cried eating this, namely your uncle Mike  - the one in San Diego. See all of those little red things? Yeah? Those are red chili peppers. You asked for, ate, and then asked for more. Red hot lo mein, get your red hot lo mein here!


The other reason I'm so proud is that tomorrow, your mommy and I celebrate our five year anniversary. Five years ago, I officially married out of my league and became the luckiest man to ever live; first of all, because I got to marry your mom. Second of all, because that led to you. It was a scenic trip, but it led to you nonetheless. It's hard to imagine I could love even one person as much as I do, but to have the both of you is absolutely amazing. I am thankful, and proud, every day that your mom and you came into my life!

That's What Those are For!

I have a feeling I may title a lot of posts that way before you grow up. At least for now, everything is "G" Rated!

Your Aunt Melanie took this photo of you on December 25th, 2011. Aunt Melanie, you, Mommy, me, and Aggie all went for a walk on that very cold day, and you discovered pockets. You were so proud, and much warmer, as a result!

Baby Steps

You're starting to go up and down stairs all by yourself, which I love because you don't need my help. And which I hate, because you don't need my help.

I am simply amazed that you can eat an entire container of yogurt with a fork. . . as you hold your spoon in the other hand.

Not so Fast!

This past Saturday, (21 January, 2012) we celebrated your second birthday. A small group of your friends came to the house and you all ran around, laughing and screaming, unaware of anything else in the world except the toy or friend you were playing with, the chicken nugget or cupcake you were eating. It was so much fun to watch, your Mommy and I couldn't believe it!

This afternoon (Monday, 23 January, 2012) I ran into an old friend at work. When I say old, I mean I've known him a long time, and that he just celebrated his 75th birthday. I joked with Al that he should finally give up the ghost and retire like he's been threatening to do, literally, since I met him. After 20 plus years in the Army and 24 with the Agency, he deserves to rest and enjoy his time however he pleases. Al laughed and told me he really might finally do it. Then he told me about the headlong collision his wife was in a few months ago which landed her in the hospital, and his newly developed congestive heart failure, which takes his wind away just from walking a flight of stairs.

After Al and I talked, all I could think of is how much you enjoy being two, how much Al struggles with being 75, and the ridiculously short distance between you. I know you can't really appreciate time yet, but you'll learn to soon enough. And I have something I want you to do in the meantime, as if what I want has any bearing on anything.

I want you to enjoy being two. I want you to stop trying so hard to grow up, to do everything for yourself, to be like Mommy and Daddy. You don't know it yet, but we're not alway so great. Instead, enjoy your toys, your nuggets, your cupcakes. Enjoy being babied and cuddled and watching the same episode of The Muppet Show for the 84th time. And most importantly, enjoy those friends. I promise they will be the only thing you have worth anything by the time your Al's age, which will be sooner than you can imagine.