Dear Ezra (11 months.....and 3 weeks)

*This is why I take a September Break ya'll.  It just doesn't happen.  Takes some getting used to be being back at work and having no time to blog or do anything at all, really.  I'm teaching new classes this year so after the kids go to bed it's lots of work for me.  Although this letter is finished 3 weeks late, I wanted to still write/post it.  In 6 days, my baby will be 1!

Dear Ezra

It is less than 2 weeks ‘til your 1^st birthday.  I have been putting off this letter.  First we were on vacation and it was my LAST week to spend with the 2 of you before going back to work.   I was tired from a busy summer and just didn’t take the time.  Once we got home, you boys went back to school and I went back to work and it’s been a crazy 2 weeks that I haven’t got to spend much time with the 2 of you. It makes me sad but I know in just a few weeks both of you will adjust and you’ll be happy to be back with your friends at school.  Oh my God, in jus t 12 days you’ll be 1.  I’ll try to write this letter as you were at 11 months, I’m sure not much has changed in the last few weeks.

At 11 months, you still LOVE to laugh, mostly at your brother or when we’re pulling you back when you crawl away from us while we’re changing you.  Just in the last month, you have finally been able to start really playing with Gage…you guys love to play with your Fisher Price house, your dinosaur popper and ‘cook dinner’ together.  It’s an awesome thing, watching the two of you play.  You also LOVE your tunnel, much like Gage did, but we can hardly let the 2 of you play since you guys are so silly and so rough that someone’s bound to get hurt.  Speaking of, you love to roughhouse and it makes you happy when Daddy plays hard with you.  You still love to eat and haven’t found much (aside from fish sticks) you don’t really care for.  Some of your favorites are mac and cheese, pizza, and yogurt.  You still eat at least one pouch a day and you still enjoy them b/c you can feed them to yourself.  You still nurse 4x a day and nap twice.  You’ve become quite the good little napper  this summer and for that I am thankful.  I do need a break at some point.

You still haven’t started talking and I think the one word you can claim is ‘Daddy’.  I’m still not even sure you really mean it.  Some days you look right at him, point and say Daddy, other days the door opens around 5pm and you say ‘Daddy’, then some days you look at the cat and say ‘Daddy’ so who really knows.  You can make the sound ‘mama’ but don’t say it on any kind of consistent basis.  You do love your Mama though and cry almost every am I leave you at school.  You got spoiled spending time with me this summer and even have a little bit of ‘stanger danger’ that Gage never had.  You don’t like to be held by people that aren’t familiar to you.

You weigh right around 20 lbs and it seems you get heavier every day.  You wear all 12 month clothes and have an entire wardrobe for every season.  I wrote in your last letter that you didn’t care for the pool, but you learned to mostly like it (more so in the afternoon when there was some shade) and you loved the beach.  You loved playing with your big brother in the waves.  You are really a ‘no fear’ kinda kid.

Within the last month, we have gone to the beach twice, been to Gage’s swim class on multiple occasions, finished up your swim class (complete with blowing bubbles), been to the zoo and a birthday party and hung at the park.  Nothing too interesting, just the normal summer stuff.  At this point in my letter, I realize that it’s taken me over 3 weeks to write this letter to you.  For that, I apologize.  I just don’t have the time after work.  I want to spend the 2 hours with you guys every night and it always gets put on the back burner.  For that reason, Ezra, this letter is kinda lame, but it’s life right now and that’s the point of these letters.  I’ll stop writing now and in less than a week I’ll be reflecting on your 1^st year.  I love you my Ezra Bean.  You are truly a joy!

Love Momma

Dear Ezra- 10 months

Yeah yeah yeah, late again- it was written last week if that counts for anything.

Dear Ezra-

In just 8 weeks, we will be celebrating your 1^st birthday.  I never really got it when I read other parent’s posts/letters/comments about how they want time to stand still and how their babies grow up so fast, but oh my God- it really IS flying by.  One year is just crazy.  I can’t believe we’ve come this far.  You are my little firecracker and there is never a dull moment when you’re around.  You keep Momma on her toes.  You have the sweetest smile and your giggle could melt anyone’s heart but you sure do like to make it known when you’re unhappy.  Your teeth continue to make you mad- they just always seem to be rightthere and just enough to make you hurt.  You still are a biter and quite frankly I’m not really looking forward to the phone calls next year from daycare. 

I feel  like you’re finally turning that corner to understanding and communicating.  This is the time that Gage started talking and although you haven’t yet, you definitely have your ‘sound’ for the kitties and whether we say their name or you see them, it’s always the same.  You can say ‘dada’ although I’m not completely sure you’re associating it, you definitely know it’s something we want you to say.  You have started signing ‘milk’ when you want to eat although now it seems like you just like to sign it for fun as well.  You know how to high five and think it’s pretty hilarious and you are consistently waving hi and bye.  I just can’t wait to hear more of your little voice.  I can only hope you’re as verbal as Gage this early on. 

One major difference in you and Gage at this age is your eating habits.  There is NOTHING you will not eat.  That is. aside from anything that appears to be baby food.  You have no use for it anymore- all you want is what we’re eating and you want it ALL.  You eat twice as much as Gage at a sitting and most of the time I wonder if we should cut you off.  I don’t even know how much a baby your age should be eating but I have a feeling it’s less than what we give you.  In turn, milk is pretty much a dessert for you, which is fine.  You still nurse 4 times a day, 2 of which I don’t think you really care too much about.  But I think we’re gonna make it, dude- all the way to a year!  Your favorite foods right now are oranges like your brother, turkey, cheese and just about everything else! 

I’m not really sure where you’re putting all the food but you are wearing a combination of 9 and 12 month clothing.  You seem to have the same short legs as Gage but a much rounder belly.  Speaking of Gage, the time has come that you guys are really starting to ‘play’ together.  Of course, you still think he’s the greatest ever and he’s starting to feel the same.  When you’re upset in the car, he comforts you by making you laugh.  He says things like ‘it’s ok, Ezzy, we’re almost home’, like he’s heard me say.  The other day you guys played for almost an hour together- it warms my heart to see you interact.  You are still quite the mover and don’t ‘play’ very well unsupervised.  You are still chasing cords, cats and shoes.  You do however like the kitty piano, dancing and playing with trains and cars and the Little People garage.  You like Gage’s blocks and like to bang them together.  You sit slightly longer than you used to for books, although you’re not the scholar your brother was.  You are now full on crawling on your knees, cruising around anything and everything and can stand for a few seconds alone.  You don’t seem to be too interested yet, so I’m still guessing it’s going to be around 13 months before you’re ready to take your 1st steps.  You finished swim lessons this week and seemed to enjoy them for the most part.  You still aren’t the biggest fan of the pool (much to Gage’s dismay) but maybe next summer when you have a little more freedom you’ll like it better.  For now, you don’t like being contained in your float.  It is much more tolerable though in the afternoon when there’s some shade.  You don’t seem to be a fan AT ALL of the sun and you’re not a fan of your hat either, so that’s kind of a problem. 

Unfortunately, you’re back to being a crappy napper and don’t seem to break an hour most days.  You also started sleeping in a bit this summer but are back to your 6am wakings and refusing to go back to sleep.  You do still go to bed right around 7pm though with a full belly.  You have taken to screaming at me though when it’s just the 2 of us and I put you in your crib to play because I have to get something done.  You DO NOT LIKE it when I ignore you.  You are kind of high maintenance like that.  You do like your doorway bouncer though and can at least tolerate it for a bit of time…..as long as you can see me….grrr.

In the last month, you have taken your 1^st trip to Dutch Wonderland and stayed in your 1^st hotel!  You have stayed home most of the month with Gage and I and we have had our ups and downs.   You’ve tagged along to the bounce house, eaten at Chick Fil A, seen your brother do gymnastics, enjoyed music at the mall, gotten your pics taken with your brother (you’re much more photogenic than him;)), hung with Nana and Grandiddy, gone to SplashDown and taken your 2^nd trip to the beach!  You’ll help Daddy celebrate his 34^th birthday on Saturday and we have 3 more weeks together before we head down to the OBX for our final vacay of the summer.  It’s crazy how quick our summer has flown by and how much you’ve grown.  I just can’t believe you are growing up so fast.  I love you my Ezzy dear- you keep me on my toes.  Although our snuggles are few and far between, they are special to me and your giggles light up all of our lives!  We love you, Squishy!

Love, Momma

 

 

Dear Ezra- 9 months

Ok, so here's the deal, I actually wrote this over 3 weeks ago and it was going to be on time.  Then life happened and I didn't have a picture to go with it, I started slacking and I never got back to it.  However, I still want to post it, although I'll be writing another one later this week. 

My Dearest Ezra

9 months!  2/3 of a year!  Although it's never even occurred to me, apparently the 9 month milestone is a big one since it marks you being in the world longer than I grew you.  Either way for me, it's huge!  By the end of the summer you'll practically be a one year old and that.is.crazy!  I mean this year FLEW by.

At 9 months, you weigh 19lbs 6oz and are 28.75in long- almost a pound heavier than Gage at this age and apparently a whole inch longer.  I'll believe that one when I see it.  In any case, you are full into your 9 month clothes and even can sport a few 12 month outfits.  I've just spent another afternoon digging through Gage's old clothes to see what I could find you.  It's always fun to go shopping in your own bedroom instead of spending money.  At 9 months, E you have 4 teeth and  HUGE gap.  You are still belly crawling, but are pretty much the fastest belly crawler ever!  You are pulling up and were standing in your crib when Daddy when in to get you today.  You are eating 3 solid meals a day and 4 bottles/nursings a day.  My little baby is growing up.  We have just started to introduce to you to some 'table foods'.  You chowed down on a cheese quesadilla the other night and loved every bite.  I am really trying to give you foods of all kinds at this point to see what you'll eat and am hoping this might mean you won't ever be as picky as Gage. 

Well Ezra, the time has come that I finally get to spend more time with you and your brother!  You have one more week of school and then it's the summer time!  I cannot wait.  I would be lying if I didn't say I was worried how I was going to keep both of you busy, but we'll  have to figure it out, won't we?  Right now your favorite thing to play with is still whatever Gage is.  You love to bang things together and blocks and trucks are your favorite.  You love your musical soccer ball and it's crazy how good you can roll it already.  You love wooden spoons and bowls and in the bath you take after your brother and go 1st for the drumsticks.  You actually aren't a bad little drummer already.  Geez- can't wait for 2 drummers in the house!  ha...You are now a professional at taking big boy baths and seem to love the water.  You have no fear and go from laying down in it to sitting up and back and forth.  You seem to love the water so much I couldn't wait to take you to the pool.  Crazy enough, the 1st time we even got to go was today.....after in  your last letter I said we'd be going that weekend.  You actually were not the biggest fan of the pool today and seemed overly unimpressed.  It's funny b/c you are such a smiley happy baby and I swear you didn't crack one smile today.  You do start swim lessons next week though, so that should be interesting.  Another of your favorite pastimes, not toy related, is chasing Ace. God Bless him - you get so excited when you see him- you 'talk' to him and the chase pursues.  You always win and have a ball of hair to prove it.  We are trying to teach you to pat nicely but to date you most always just grab tufts of hair.  Thankfully and crazy enough he doesn't mind.

My poor Ezra, you have had quite the time with ear infections.  The last week of May you had an ear infection over the weekend that I took you to Urgent Care for.  You finished your antibiotic and it came back immediately.  You stopped eating for a day and Daddy had to get you back in to the dr.  They put you on a stronger med that cleared up your ear but screwed up your stomach.  You were all but miserable for a whole week.  You seem to be sleeping better these days and holy crap, it seems you've learned to nap!  At least here at home...I'll take hour naps, trust me.  You have been quite the sleepy boy today- perhaps you're growing.

In the last month, you've been to the dr. just about once a week (thank God for Daddy having enough time to take).  You helped Daddy celebrate his 1st Father's Day of 2 and you survived a week of just Mommy taking care of both of you when Daddy was out of town.  The next month should be one of lots of 1sts and lots of fun.  I'm sure we'll run into our snafus but we'll somehow figure out a routine.  I sure hope that you start liking the pool more, Gage had a blast today and I was planning on spending quite a bit of time there this summer. 

Ezra, you are my little firecracker, that's for sure!  You are still quite fussy, but sometimes only for your Momma.  I think you're a little attached to me;)  You don't seem to be as fussy w/ your Daddy and thank God for him, b/c I certainly don't know what to do with you all the time.   You have been my little challenge ,but I love you for it and I know you'll help me to be a better Mommy and to figure out how to multi-task like a champ!  My hope for you this summer is to be able to give you lots of new experiences and hopefully get a routine down pat.  I hope you're a little happier since I'll be home with you all the time.  I love you, Ezzy and I'll cherish each of these days with you this summer because I know when I send you back to daycare in the Fall you'll practically be a full fledged toddler!  Here's to a summer with my 2 boys! 

Love your Momma

Here's my crazy little guy!

Dear Ezra- 8 months

Dear Ezzy Pie-

8 months!  I can hardly believe it.  I feel like I'm missing you grow up.  As much as I'm nervous about being home with both you and Gage all summer, I cannot wait to see more of you.  It's silly but I feel like I'm missing things with you because I literally see you for about 1.5 hr a day.  (I'm pretty sure it was like this with Gage too, I just don't remember very well.)  I just can't get any more time with you right now and you need your sleep to be happy worse than I need to play with you, so I'm counting down the next month so that we can spend more time together!  Currently, you are a terrible napper at school (hence needing to sleep the entire time you're home during the week) and it's starting to frustrate me.  You've been there for 6 months and I can count on one hand how many times you've taken a decent nap.  But man, are you a trooper!  You are so happy to see Momma when I pick you up and I want so much to play at home at night and you do too, but you just can't stay awake long enough.  And I can't be selfish and make you stay up just so we can play.

Man, this letter has a sorry tone.  Sorry about that, little man, just fresh in my head at the moment.  Let's talk more about how awesome it is to see you getting stronger, smarter and quicker every day.  I feel like you have grown so much in the last month.  Let's see- you are now crawling- it just happened one afternoon and you didn't take it slow, you were full force and have been going ever since- even on the beach 3 days after you learned.  It's still a belly crawl, but I don't think you're even interested in getting up on your knees since you can get anywhere you want to go at this point.  We literally cannot turn our back.  You are across the room in a matter of seconds chewing on a cord or trying to steal Gage's toys.  It won't be long now...you have tried to pull up on a couple of different things.  You haven't quite been successful but I expect it anytime.  Speaking of Gage, since you have learned to crawl, you crawl up to him and in his lap trying to take whatever it is that he is playing with.  Of course at this point, he doesn't realize you just want to play and doesn't understand why you're pulling at him.  But you love your brother so and it's so obvious.  I just can't wait 'til you guys have that mutual feeling and can express it.

You have just started eating 3 meals a day and started finger foods.  You're actually not bad and because you like putting things in your mouth so much, it comes natural.  With the increase in food, you have started to drink a whole lot less milk.  It makes me kind of sad that you're growing up and I'm not sure if this was the case with Gage at this point.  He wasn't in school at this age so I have no idea how much he really took in, but at least the liquid that you're getting at school is still coming from me!  You weigh around 18lbs, but are growing so quickly out of your clothes.  You wear mostly 9 month clothing but seem to be busting out of that some days.  Not sure how long you are, but I guess I should check that out pretty soon...don't think I've even measured you outside the doctor's office.  You are still an awesome sleeper at night, although in the last month buddy, you've had some rough nights.  Poor thing- you had a fever for 4 days at the beginning of the month and slept with us for almost a week.  That was followed by an ear infection and it took a good 10 days probably for you to get back in your bed and comfy- but we succeeded and you're happy.  In the last few days you've been a little restless because your top two teeth are coming in and they sure do look like they hurt.  I'm ready for them to bust through since that's when 'they' say they stop hurting.  Just like your brother, you're going to have a big gap, but oh well, it gives you personality!  You still love your dinosaur popper the best, but you also like to play in your Exersaucer, door way bouncer, love your crib aquarium soother and will scale the room to get to your tool bench.  You also want to play with whatever Gage has.  You aren't quite sure how you feel about your Learning House and your dancing donkey yet.  This week you did get to take a bath with your brother one night in the big boy tub since Daddy wasn't home and Mommy was trying to get you both in and out quickly.  You loved it though and I have a feeling, many more baths together are in your future.   Your only consonant sound is still 'g', I'm so curious to know what your 1st word will be.

In the last month, you have helped me celebrate my 1st Mother's Day as a Mommy for 2 and gone to the beach for the 1st time!  You tried to eat the sand of course and took your 1st nap under an umbrella.  I can't wait until the next time we get there, you're gonna be a mad man at the end of the summer.  Watch out Ocean!  You'll get to go swimming for the 1st time this weekend and I hope to put you in swim lessons soon.  This month you'll finally get your big boy car seat installed....it's just been so easy to continue to carry you in your bucket.  But it's getting to be about that time and I think I need to put it to rest.  You still seem to love it though and take the best naps.  It does make Mommy's arm hurt though and sometimes even go numb!

Ezra, I love your fiery personality- you definitely keep Daddy and I on our toes.  I love that you love Gage so much and I just can't wait for you to be the best of friends.  You are quite the handful sometimes, but a joy more so!  I am so fortunate to be able to stay at home with you this summer and watch you grow.  I really do have the best of both worlds!  I still love cuddling you at night before you go to bed, but unfortunately you're a busy boy these days and don't love it as much as you used to.  You prefer to lay down when you're tired and you are usually asleep within a few minutes.  I feel like there's so much more to say and to describe you but the thing that sticks out the most is just how happy you are and how good natured.  Everyone comments on your big smile and big eyes!  Ezra, you are loved so much.  I honestly don't know where the last 8 months have gone, but I am looking forward to more.  I just wish I had more time to write about you and your brother and to keep these memories forever.  I love you my Ezzy Pie!

Love Your Momma

Dear Gage- 3.5

Dear Gage

I cannot believe that this past Tuesday, my sweet baby turned 3 and a half.  I swear you have grown astronomically in the last 6 months.  Although you haven't gotten much beefier and still weigh about 28lbs and wear 18 mos. shorts and swim trunks, your jeans and shirts are clearly too short and it's finally proof that you're growing! 

Gagey baby, you are soo soo smart.  Again, you'll read this in just about every letter, but I just can't say it enough.  I am so so proud of you and Daddy and I know how blessed we truly are to have you in our lives.  Shortly after your birthday you learned to write your name and although we haven't practiced as much with you as we want, it is still fairly legible.  You love to practice spelling your friends names and ask often how to spell certain words or how to read others.  You are awesome at IDing 1st letter sounds and are hardly ever wrong.  That's probably one of your favorite parts about preschool.  However, your teacher reports you love numbers and like to help everyone with the date each day.  She also talks about how hilarious you are and she always has funny stories to share. 
You have just recently learned to pee in the potty standing up and are super proud of yourself.  It took a year but I'm ok w/ that- any sooner and we would probably have dealt with a lot more messes.  We've also taken off the rail on your big boy bed and you have given up Soothie Bear and your Nuk!  (You gave up your Nuk months ago to Santa Claus, but it is just another part of you growing up.)  You are super clever and very intuitive, you are always watching and know exactly what's going on.  You have your moments of sassiness but mainly when you're tired or having a bad day you're super whiny.  Overall I'd say you're a pretty darn good listener for your age.

At 3.5, you wear mostly 2T shirts w/ some 3T mixed in.  Only 2T with adjustable waist shorts fit or 18 mos. otherwise, size 7.5 shoe.  I'm not quite sure how tall you are, but I guess based on the 1st paragraph, I need to measure you soon.  Your very favorite things are still musical instruments and I don't believe there is a day that goes by that you don't play multiple ones.  You also LOVE to watch marching bands on YouTube and like to pretend that you're in one on a daily basis.  You love Jake and the NeverLand Pirates and can recite tons of episodes.  You love your baby brother (and playing with his toys), but hate that he can now move and take toys from you.  You are enrolled in two different music classes, one at school and one at Gymboree.  We can't wait until you can take some formal lessons of your own.  You also still love books and are finding new favorites all the time.

The last few months have been a little rough on  you-there have been lots of changes at daycare and Mommy worries.  You have lost a few teachers and friends in the last few months and its taken some getting used to.  You seem to take it all in stride although I know it affects you in some way.  This has been probably one of the biggest challenges for you in the last 6  months.  Some of your favorite friends to play with are Xander, Sawyer and Sam.  You love to talk about Charlie and Katherine from school and although you don't see him often, you love Jake as well.  In the last few months, you've gotten to hang with your Nana and Grandiddy of course, but also got to see your Uncle B and hang with your Aunt Annie, Uncle Mark and new baby cousin, Sloane.  You didn't see much snow this year and only got to play in it once or twice.  You did get to go to your 1st Va Tech game with Daddy when you guys went down to the Spring game last month.  You've started to give up your naps at home and I can't remember the last time you actually slept (although you have quiet time each day) but you still manage to sleep almost every day at school- probably because you get up so early during the week.  You are still the pickiest eater and I've almost given up at begging you.  We've been pretty lazy lately and usually just fix you something we know you'll eat during the week.  One thing you have tried recently that you've liked are tacos, so at least it's 1 more thing I can make that you'll actually eat.  It's just so frustrating that sometimes when I try to make a meal that I think you'll like and you eat none of it.

It's just a few short weeks away that you'll get to stay at home with Ezra and I for the summer and although it will be challenging, Mommy's really looking forward to that time with you.  I feel that it's so brief now and routine.  I hope to go swimming, to the beach and to visit Nana and Grandiddy.  We're also supposed to be flying to TX to visit your Grandma, Grandpa and cousins this summer. 

Honestly Gage, I love picking you up from school every day and hearing how your day went and what you learned.  You are a sponge and you have a passion for learning.  I love watching you grow on a daily basis and am so proud of the boy you're becoming.  I wish I could take all the credit, but somehow God just made you laid back, easy going, sensitive and smart.  I know there are things I'm missing in this letter, but my brain is fried right about now.  We love you so much Gage and we always will.  I can't wait to see what the next 6 months have in store for us and I can't even imagine you'll turn 4!  Always looking forward to what you'll say next.  Happy 3.5 years, Gage!

Love Mommy

Dear Ezra- 7 months

Dearest Ezra

You continue to get bigger and older on me each month.  How exactly does that work?  Seven months is closer to a year than it isn't.  That's just crazy.  This letter only comes 2 days late, pretty good, if I do say so myself....ha.  Ezra, you are such a happy child.  You only get upset when your bottle is done, the milk's not coming fast enough or we sneak veggies in between bites of fruit.  You are eating 2 meals a day now- breakfast and dinner- although day care would like to believe you need more solid food, but I'll hold off on that until next month. 

At 7 months Ezra, you weigh about 17 lbs and are quickly outgrowing your 6 month clothes.  You are pretty much in all 9 months, although 6 months pants fit you in length.  Some of Gage's old pants still fit b/c they're old and stretched out, but your fat belly and booty, I might add, make it difficult for you to wear some 6 month pants.  Although you still don't like to nap at school, you take a 9am, noon and 4pm nap here at home.  They are short, but consistent.  Now, we just have to figure out how to get you to sleep at school.  I pick you up at 4pm, you nap until 5pm, you eat b/w 515-530pm and go to bed by 615pm.....I have no time with you during the week and it makes me sad.  At least summer is just around the corner.  Just this weekend, I can see 2 more teeth sprouting through your gums, funny though, it's your top eye teeth....you'll look quite amusing if they come fully in before the other 2-4 in between.  You are officially sleeping through the night and have been since Easter.  You eat around 5am before you go to school, then you have bottles at 9am, noon and around 3pm.  You eat again after your solid dinner, right before you go to bed and sleep all the way through the night.  In the last month, you have mastered sitting and although we still put a Boppy around you if we walk away, you're getting pretty good at sitting on your own and catching yourself if you fall.  Lately you enjoy playing with your dinosaur popper and musical turtle.  This month you have started taking a bath in your ducky tub and it won't be long until you get to play in the big bathtub with Gage.  I tell you, Mommy is counting down the days 'til that, it will make bath nights SO much easier.

You have become quite the giggle box lately and you still love to watch Gage.  You are trying your hardest to get where you want to go by inching and rolling.  You aren't quite 'mobile' yet, but I have a feeling next month's letter will be much different.  You also have one consonant sound....not the normal 'b' or 'd', but 'g'.  Perhaps you're trying to say Gage's name.  Leave it to my kids for Daddy not to be your 1st word.  You still love to sleep in the car and took your 1st ride in the big boy stroller today.  I want to get you out in the jogging stroller but the wheels are flat....gotta fix that.  Nothing too exciting since your last letter, but in the next month, you'll get to celebrate your 1st Mother's Day and hopefully get to play on the beach for the 1st time. 

I'm at a loss, other than to say, we love you so much Ezra and you continue to bring joy into our lives every day.  It's awesome to watch yet another one of my kids grow up and both of you change so much each and every week.  I'm counting down the weeks until I get to spend the whole summer with both of you!  I'm super excited to see what kind of trouble we can get into!  We love you so much, Ezra Jude!

My new favorite picture

Dear Ezra- 6 months

Dear Ezra

You were 6 months old 9 days ago and I haven't even had the chance to write you this letter.  I'd been doing alright the last few months, but see my brand new computer blew up and I had not a thing to write you a letter on.  Not to mention that even though it works now, I don't even have a program I can word process on.....awesome.  Well, enough about that, since that's not the important stuff.  The important stuff is that my youngest son is one HALF a year old and I cannot believe it.  Time is rushing by and I feel like I'm missing you grow.  Then again, looking at the last month, it seems you have changed so much and some days time stands still.  At 6 months old, you are such a happy kid.  You smile all the time and have only been fussy the last few days since you've had an earache.  I also think that the antibiotic they gave you makes your tummy hurt.  In any case, you weigh 16lbs and 13 oz. (30%ile), 1 lb more than your brother did at this age.  You are 27 ins long (65%ile), 1 inch longer than Gage was.  People always joke that you'll outweigh him some day since the difference in your weights is only 10lbs.  I will say that your getting too heavy for your bucket and Mama is really struggling to carry you around these days. 

I hate to say it but it seems I'm going to have another picky eater on my hands.  You haven't been a big fan of solids from the beginning and you're not doing too much better these days.  Right now you only eat one meal a day but this weekend you'll be starting two.  Hopefully you'll learn and get better and more efficient at eating.  You are still a fussy nurser and rarely eat more than 10 mins. at a time.  You have 6 oz. bottles at day care and they are asking for more.  I'm not sure if you are more hungry or if they just don't know how to deal with your fussiness, either way, I tend to think that 6 oz. is plenty.  You are wearing mostly 6 month clothing, but can wear 9 months in one piece outfits and most of your 6 month pants are getting too small.  You have a FAT belly.  Although you've been sleeping well at night for a while now a recent ear infection has thrown you off and we're in the middle of sleep training you again. (Yay!  You're up again for the 2nd time tonight and it's only 920pm).  You still HATE to nap and take about 3 half hour naps a day.....which is totally frustrating.  Before we went on vacation last week, you were going to bed between 6-7pm and sleeping 'til 4am or 5am.  I was hoping that by now we'd be completely done with night feedings, but that doesn't seem to be the case.  Better luck next month. 

Your absolute favorite activity right now is watching Gage- your eyes follow him everywhere and you are super interested in everything he does.  I can't wait for you to be able to interact with him so he'll know how much you idolize him.  Your other favorite pastime is chewing on anything that comes within a foot of your face.  You chew on my face, on your high chair strap,  your toes, or whatever you can find.  You are slowing learning to sit up and can sit up for a few seconds at a time.  You sat up long enough today for the photographer to get some shots for your 6 month photos.  You enjoy sitting in your Exersaucer and chewing on all of the attachments.  You prefer to play on your belly and like Gage's old electronic book and piano.  It's pretty sad, but you don't have any favorite toys yet and you're not a big fan of books.  All you want to do with a book is eat it.  I'm afraid you'll never have the love for books that your brother does.  It is still difficult to make you laugh but playing peek a boo has recently done the trick.  I can also make growling noises at you and you giggle, which we LOVE to hear.

In the last month, I feel like you've experienced many things....maybe I'm just the one who has been busy, but you have gotten to meet much of your extended family, including your Uncle B, who is in town this weekend to visit. Ezzy Bean, we love you to pieces! Happy HALF year, little man!

Love, Mommy

Dear Ezra- 5 months

Dear Ezra

Yesterday you were 5 months old and I just can’t believe how fast time is going.  I know that’s what they all say, but my golly, with the second child it seems like it’s even more true.  You are becoming such a big boy with your brand new tooth (make that 2, since starting this post 3 hours ago) and everything!  Ezra- at 5 months, you don’t quite sit up yet, we joke that you’re too chunky to have many stomach muscles.  You weigh about 16.5 pounds and wear mostly 6 month clothes, some of which you have already grown out of.  You have to stop growing until it gets warm, we don’t have many weather appropriate clothes after 6 months!  Ezra, you love tummy time and playing with all of your toys- your favorite are the baby piano that Gage loved so much as well and your music turtle you got from Aunt Annie and Uncle Mark. 

God Bless you- you have just started sleeping through the night in the last week and aside from your tooth, it’s been pretty consistent.   You’re now in your own room from the time you go down ‘til the morning aside from eating.  You still don’t like to nap and only take very short naps at school- however, one day this week you did take a 2 hour one!  You go to bed between 630pm-730pm and don’t have too many problems falling asleep.  You usually sleep well until you get up to eat around 1am, but then it’s hit or miss if you’ll sleep until morning.  You eat 6 oz. bottles at daycare, which is CRAZY apparently, compare to your peers.  You have just started oatmeal this week and weren’t digging it at first, but have caught on quickly.  We will start veggies this weekend.  As mentioned in your last letter, we took you to get allergy tested and you fortunately were not allergic to anything!  Yay!  We have no idea why you were red and you’ve mostly outgrown it.  You usually eat your last meal at 5-6pm and then sleep for about 8 hours before needing to eat again.  I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t looking forward to next month when you can have your dinner, we can all sleep and you don’t have to eat again until the next am. 

Ezra, you are such a happy baby and the teachers at daycare all seem to adore you.  They say that as long as you’re not very sleepy or hungry, you’re all smiles.  You do grin a lot, but like your brother you’re a hard audience when it comes to giggling and we’ve only heard more than a snicker a couple of times.   In the last few weeks you have been taking more notice of Gage and watching him as he plays.  I can’t wait for you guys to be the best of friends!

In the last month, you have successfully rolled over in both directions, although you don’t do either too frequently.   You do like to sleep on your side sometimes.   You helped celebrate Nana’s birthday and in just one week you will get to meet your cousin, Sloane, for the first time, who is exactly a week younger than you.  Cousin Amber came to visit and you got to snuggle her.  You also watched your 1^st Super Bowl and saw your 1st snow (all quarter of an inch of it).

We really are blessed to be the parents of you and Gage and realize how lucky we are each and every day.  We love you more every day and I think Gage secretly does too.  It is unbelievable that the next letter I write you will be your half year letter!  Where has the time gone?  It is seriously February already.  We love you, Ezzy, to the moon and back. 

Love you always, Mommy

4 months!

Dear Ezra

You are 4 months old today and I can’t believe this letter is actually on time.  I feel like I have so little time these days spending time doing anything extra than taking care of you and your brother.  Unfortunately, now that you’re in school, each day seems like the day before and we have a pretty set and uneventful routine during the week.  So far, it seems you have adjusted to school well and the teachers all love you.  They say you’re such a happy baby.  I think you’re still driving them a little crazy with your 3 catnaps a day, but they say when you’re awake and not poopy that you have such a good disposition.  This is mostly true with us as well, although you still have your fussy moments.  Since you are only catnapping at school though, it does make Mommy a little sad that when you get home in the evenings all you want to do is sleep and are only up for an hour or two.  I remember the same thing with Gage and I know that you’ll grow out of it soon enough and establish a better schedule.  You have almost created your own eating/napping schedule although we’re still working out the kinks.  I mentioned in your last letter that you’d be moving to your new room at the beginning of the month…..hmmm, yeah that didn’t happen.  You’re still with Mommy and Daddy and we wouldn’t have it any other way.  I don’t know why this time it’s so hard for me to get you out of my room. I think part of it is that when you protest we’re scared you’re going to wake up Gage and you never cry in the Pack n Play beside our bed.  The last few nights we have laid you down in your crib, so you’re gradually getting used to sleeping in there, too.  I’ll definitely miss the days though when you start to whimper and I can just roll over and slip the Nuk back in your mouth.  Ha...I distinctly remember a very similar blog post I wrote about Gage around this age.

You are still a good eater and have spaced out your feedings to about every 3 hours.  You are up once at night or sometimes not at all and eat every morning before heading to school.  You definitely are a chunker and it’s obvious you’re not starving.  However, this week at school you broke out into a rash while eating and then again tonight when I was feeding you.  We’re worried you’re allergic to something I’m eating and worried what the implications of that might be.  You go back to the dr. next week so we’ll discuss our game plan then and find out how much your chunky little belly weighs.  You still have your fussy nursing sessions and your fussy nights and now I wonder if it doesn’t have to do with something I’ve eaten not agreeing with you.  You’re currently giving your Daddy a hard time as we speak.

Your motor skills continue to impress me- last night you were opening the cover of a book and I really don’t remember Gage grabbing things quite the way you do at this age.  Of course like I said, everything you grab goes straight into your mouth.  You are not yet rolling over, although you’ve been very close since last month, nor are you sitting up.  Now, I know most 4 month olds don’t sit up, but Gage was definitely doing it at this age….I know, I know, every kid is different. 

Some of the more exciting moments of the last month are of course starting daycare, which you seem to be enjoying for the most part, your 1^st New Year’s Eve and spending more time with Nana and Grandiddy.  In the next month, you can look forward to another dr’s apt and set of shots, your 1^st live show, and your 1^st Valentine’s Day.  Pretty uneventful now that the holidays are over and every day is pretty much the same.  Perhaps you should start rolling over or sitting up to make things more interesting!

Ezra, you are such a pleasure each and every day and although some nights we don’t know how to comfort you, your usual smiles and coos and almost laughs far than make up for it the next day.  Your favorite place to be is still in our arms with your Nuk cuddled close.  I love that you are a snuggler.  Here’s to another month!

Love

Momma 

3 months with Ezra

Dear Ezra

You were 3 months old a week ago and per usual with two kids and life this letter is a week late.  In the last month, you have grown so much and I can’t believe what a ‘big boy’ you are.  You are grabbing at things and love to feel different blankets, toys, etc.  You are holding your head up a little more these days and don’t hate tummy time quite as much as you used to…although you’re still not a big fan.   I’d say you weigh over 15lbs now and you’re belly is quite the sight.  Your 3 month onesies are getting tight quick and your 6 month sleepers are snug in the belly.  Although you still love to be held, when you are not sleepy or hungry, you are SUCH a happy baby.   You smile all the time and I’ve finally been able to catch a few on camera.  You still love to coo and talk and prefer faces over your swing or facing outward, etc.  You’ve started to smile at Gage when he talks to you- something that makes you slightly more interesting to him.  You’ve become a pretty good sleeper at night and usually go down after your 10pm feeding- sometimes you wake up once and others not at all until 5am.  Thankfully when you do wake up to eat, you eat and go right back to sleep without a fuss.  In fact, some nights you sleep better than your brother.  We need to get you in to bed a little earlier, after your 730pm-8pm feeding to start to get you on a bit of a schedule.  You’ll be moving into your bedroom this weekend so we’ll see you how you like that.  You’ll definitely like the space, but not sure you’ll like to be in the room alone.  However you did get a projector and a crib soother that will help you adapt to your new room.  Mommy still hasn’t made the letters for your nursery, isn’t that awful?  Life is crazy with two kids, I’m sure you’ll hear that again before it’s all over.  Your favorite things right now aside from being held, are your bouncer (just about the only place you don’t fuss), your play mat, your butterfly toy and the new Taggie blanket Santa brought you. 

You have started to drool like your brother and put everything you can get your chubby little fingers on in your mouth.  That’s something we’re not used to, so it’s going to be a challenge for us.  In the last month, Mommy has had to go back to work, but lucky for you, you’ve gotten to stay home and hang with Daddy.  But now, you must start school next week and we’re hoping it won’t be too bad of an adjustment for you.  You got professional pictures taken and unlike your brother, you did great and we were able to get some really nice shots of you.  Good thing, since we have ZERO pictures of you in our house right now.  Hundreds on the computers and our phones, but none in print.  Something else Mommy needs to work on this month.  You also got to meet your Grandma Sandi and Grandpa Steve and hang with them for a few days.  You got some one on one time with Grandma when we took Gage to see the Christmas parade.  You got to visit Santa twice and although not in your 3^rd month, but since I wrote the last letter, you’ve had your 1^st Christmas, got to meet all of your extended family and got to spend a few days at Nana and Grandiddy’s house.   

As far as milestones, next to smiling more often and grabbing things you are thisclose to rolling over.  Your brother rolled over at 3.5 months, so you’re well on your way to matching his accomplishment.  I love this time and the fact that you’re slightly less cranky than you used to be.  You are growing so much every day and I can’t wait to see you change and develop in the next month.  It’s crazy how much you learn every day.  Although Gage still only talks to you every now and then, he’s starting to be more comfortable around you and more interested.  I can’t wait til you’re crawling and laughing at him (very close)- he’s going to think you’re the coolest thing since sliced bread.  Ezra, I love you more every day and am so lucky to be the Mommy of two sweet boys.  Until next month…. 

Love Mommy

2 months with Ezra

Dear Ezzy


Has it been two months already? Sometimes it seems just like yesterday and other times it feels like we never existed without you. All I know is that I'm 3 days late with this letter and I have to go back to work on Monday. My, how it pains me to leave you. The only bright side is that you get to stay home with your Daddy for another 5 weeks. I think I'll really be sad when I have to take you to daycare. However, we are lucky enough to have found a day care we love and trust, and we better, since it cost so much!

So in the last month you took your 1st trip to the Outer Banks, attended your big brother’s 3rd birthday party and celebrated your 1st Halloween. Today we are celebrating your 1st Thanksgiving, just the four of us, our little family. Lately you have been going almost 6 hours at night after your last feeding, this will be welcomed if you can do the same when I go back to work. You still don’t love going to bed too early and often have us up ‘til midnight- much like your brother did. On Monday you have to start having bottles for almost half of your feedings a day and your Daddy thinks you’re going to starve to death since you don’t really like taking bottles from him- but you’ll learn, you’ll have to.

The last month has been one of challenges and successes. You are getting somewhat easier to soothe when you’re upset, but man, you still LOVE and NEED to be held. You would sleep all.day.long if we let you lay on us- must be nice to have a warm pillow and while I am thankful that you go right back to sleep at night after eating and rarely wake up to fuss, you are pretty fussy during the day. It makes it near impossible sometimes to get anything done. In saying this, I wouldn’t trade you for the world. You are so special to us and have started to grace us with big huge smiles in the mornings and your coos are ever so cute. You coo much more than I remember Gage doing and OMG, you crack up in your sleep! I can’t wait to hear your laughs directed at us or your brother in the near future. Currently you LOVE your car seat and are comforted the most there, we even put you in there sometimes when we’re eating or cooking. You like your bouncer pretty well too. Unfortunately, you have started to dislike your swing because the mobile on top broke and you just sit and scream at the fishies. And Ezra, I have to admit something- your baby book? Is almost nonexistent. I wanted the same one that I had with Gage, I loved it but I couldn’t find it and yours, just isn’t the same. Instead you might have to rely on these letters that at least start right away to get the same info. I will try to write the same kind of things I wrote in Gage’s book in these letters for you.

At 2 months: You are 12lbs, 11oz and 22.5 inches. This is 75%ile, but don’t worry, it probably won’t last long. I think you’ll be a peanut, just like Gage. Again, you’re sleeping better, you’re still beside our bed at night and now you enjoy being swaddled. Although, I’m not sure how much longer it will last since you have attempted to bust out recently. You still love to eat but are much more efficient now and don’t eat quite as often. You like tummy time a bit more, you enjoy your play mat for a few minutes, but your favorite position is sitting on Mommy and Daddy’s knees looking at us and cooing. Ezra, you are an awesome little blessing and Gage likes you more day by day. I can’t wait to see you grow more and am excited about your time with Daddy in the next month. I’m excited to take you to meet Santa for the 1st time and to go Christmas shopping for not my one, but my two precious gifts. Happy Thanksgiving my little munchkin! Too bad you can’t enjoy turkey this year! We love you and are so lucky to have you in our lives.

Love, Mommy

To Gage: 3 year edition

Dearest Gage,


Geez, I don’t even know where to begin. I do know that I should be writing these letters to you every 6 months instead of a year since there is just SO much I want to write. I can’t imagine this won’t take me days. In fact, I just read your 2 year letter and said I’d write you another in six months. I have no excuse, in fact, I even thought about it, but I guess time got away from me. Such is life. I do have to tell you, though, just how proud we are of the little preschooler you have become. You are SO smart, Gage, and I know how all Mommys say that, but I really believe you’re ahead ‘academically’ of most kids your age. I’m a teacher, I know a smart kid when I see one.:) I’ll be the first to admit you’re probably not as ‘mature’ or independent as others, but you definitely have the brains, so we’ll work on the rest.

You are such a little peanut, Gage, you only weigh 26lbs and are not quite 3 feet tall yet. You have become a better eater though in the last 6 months or so and the doctor’s not worried, so I guess you are just born to be little. It is so darn hard to find you pants though and we can only buy you the kind with an adjustable waist- you still wear nothing bigger than 2T top or bottom.

You are officially a preschooler now and started yesterday. Hopefully it won’t be a difficult transition this time since you know over half the class, plus the teacher. I just can’t believe you are this old….and this smart. You know all your letters and their sounds, I think you’ll be reading by 4, for sure. You are still so interested in books and you understand the meaning of the written word. You ask me to read signs to you when we’re in restaurants and labels on food. You still need to work on counting to 20, you still leave out a few numbers. I just don’t think we work on it enough with you, since last year this time, I claimed to be working on it, too. You don’t forget a SINGLE thing and when we try to talk around subjects, you are too smart for us and know exactly what we’re talking about.

In the last year Gage you have grown and developed so much. Looking back it’s just amazing that you’re my little man now. You are struggling for some independence but at the same time, you are happy to snuggle with your Momma anytime. You tell me you love me and Daddy ALL the time and that we’re your best friends. You won’t always feel this way I’m sure, but right now it’s music to our ears! Your fit pitching is minimal but when you are naughty, boy are you naughty, and you can’t seem to shake it for a few hours…you just have some bad days. Of course, they are better or worse depending on whether or not you nap. You still get around 10 hours of sleep a night and nap about 5 days a week. At home you take pretty awesome long naps that we have to wake you from, but at school, you don’t nap as long….but who can nap with 20 of their friends in the room, right?

The biggest change in the last year for you by far was welcoming your new baby brother into your house. You ‘did not like him’ at first but you slowly warmed up after about a month. You still don’t see much use for him (who can blame you?) but you do love talking to him and before long you will LOVE it when he thinks you are hilarious. Speaking of, you say some darn funny stuff, Gage. You have Daddy and I cracking up on a daily basis. It’s too bad my brain is so sleep deprived right now that I can’t remember half of the funny stuff you say- I’ll have to start writing it down. You did tell me the other day when you were mad at me for something or pitching a fit that you were ‘gonna eat all that candy [Halloween] until you choked!’ You said it like you were sticking it to me and I just laughed at you.

Just this past Sunday we had your birthday party and you LOVED it. You LOVE singing Happy Birthday to people, including yourself, and you had a blast at the bounce house! You also can.not.wait for Christmas, you have been talking about it since September and it’s now finally right around the corner. You love to see people’s ‘decorations’, whether it is Halloween or Christmas. Speaking of- you had the best time trick or treating this year and soaked up every minute of it.

Some of your absolute favorite things right now are superheroes of course! You have a whole wall of them and can name each and every one. You got a Spiderman house for your bday and you LOVE it. You also love cars (Hot Wheels/Matchbox) and any and all musical instruments. Like I said, you still love to read and could spend hours in the bookstore. Your favorite right now is your High Five magazine though that you get every month in the mail and look forward to so much. You love the hidden pictures section. Your favorite TV shows are Tickety Tock, Yo Gabba Gabba (still), Jake and the Neverland Pirates and Diego. Your favorite movie is probably Nemo. Some of your favorite places to go are the park, Nana’s beachhouse, the book and toy store and the mall to look at clocks. (Thank God this obsession has become a little less severe lately.)

You are completely potty trained!! Yay! You did this yourself about 6 months ago, but it took this last 6 to really solidify it and to poop on the potty regularly, but we are soo proud of you and thankful it really wasn’t much of a struggle. Your favorite restaurants to eat at are Panera (mac and cheese/broccoli and cheese soup), Cracker Barrel (grilled cheese/bacon and chocolate milk) and you have recently started to like Chik-Fil-A (praise Jesus). You still won’t touch a vegetable and ate your very first piece of pizza at your birthday party just 2 nights ago. Your favorite foods are strawberries, turkey and cheese, peanut butter and jelly, oranges and fish sticks and you LOVE treats (what kid doesn’t?). You do get them quite often now though since you eat most of your dinner most nights. Some of your best friends are Logan M., Sawyer P., the girls next door (Alyssa and Jessica), Xander and Adam B. You also love your AJ and Nana and Grandiddy and Ms. Sarah (Sawyer’s mom).

Wow, Gage, I cannot believe my baby is three. And you are so so special to your Daddy and me. You are a bit of a Momma’s boy right now, although I think the older you get and the more ‘bonding’ you do with Daddy, that will change. Part of me was a little sad when Ezra came into our lives, because I thought that the special bond that you and I share would never be the same. However, I’m certain at this point, little can come in between you and I. You are one of the best things that has ever happened to me. It is so amazing to watch you grow each and every day and I have said to you more than once in the last month ‘how did you know that?’ or ‘OMG, what a big boy’, when you’ve done things that are just so grown up. We love you more and more each and every day and are so proud of you and can’t wait to see what the next year brings. I’m excited to see you learn and grow more in every way. Hopefully I’ll write you another letter in May, instead of waiting this long again. We love you so much, big boy!

Love Mommy

So happy to be sitting in the birthday chair

Dear Ezra- One Month

Dear Ezra

I cannot believe it's been a month since you've come into our lives.  And boy, did you make an entrance!  You have had quite the personality in the last month and have kept us on our toes.  You've had your 1st and hopefully last hospital visit and gained over 2lbs and 3 inches!  Although you haven't christened us quite as much as your brother, you have peed on yourself twice now, enough to get your hair soaking wet!  Speaking of hair, it is your most popular attribute.  I'm not sure I've met one person that hasn't commented on it.  It's Mommy's favorite, too!  You're currently not a big fan of sleeping and you're one of 'those' babies who think we should hold them all the time.  You loathe the swaddle that your brother was a fan of and instead we wrap the bottom half of you up for warmth- it's quite the sight.  You've only had a few visitors and we haven't taken you very many places.  We attempted to be cautious, but as you can see, that got us nowhere.  It definitely has been an exhausting 4 weeks,  having 2 kids is hard work!  We haven't worked on tummy time as much as I have wanted and we've got to get the activity mat out so you can start to play with that.  Just like your big brother, your favorite place to sleep is in your hammock on your pack n play.  You don't dig the swing very much and your very favorite place to be is in someone's arms.

Oh Ezra, we are so blessed to have you in our lives and for you to be Gage's little brother.  Although he's not super fond of you right now, we know you'll grow to be the best of friends.  He will teach you all kinds of things and you will look up to him always.  I can't wait for you to notice him and to see the smile you'll give him when he walks into a room.  Heck, I can't wait for you to even smile at me....I guess I have a couple more weeks, though.  He'll probably even be mad one day that I have started these letters with you right away and he didn't even get one until 7-8 months.  We haven't even gotten a picture of the 2 of you together, although we have several matching outfits to take pictures in.  Although Mommy and Daddy have had a very tiring month, we love you soo soo much and can't wait to see you grow! We know how blessed we are to have two healthy and happy little boys! 

By next month, you'll have had your 1st Halloween, 1st pumpkin patch trip, 1st OBX trip and your brother's 3rd birthday party!  Happy One month, Grunt, we love you!

Two and half years...

I won't even give an excuse this time.....here is Gage's letter.

My sweet Gage,


It’s been a while….I can’t believe I haven’t written you a letter in six months and even more unbelievable is reading the letter I did write you a half a year ago and things are so different. I don’t even know where to start. You are definitely the favorite part of my day and I can’t stand how smart and sharp you are. You are also 2.5 and on days, don’t let me forget it.

In the last 6 months, you have grown so much, physically and mentally. Your last letter said you were a little over 24lbs. however, that can’t be true, because that’s about what you weigh now. You are over 34ins, still slight, but steadily growing. You are wearing all 24 months shirts, but still need 18 months on the bottom, because your waist is still so tiny. At this point, we of course carry on daily conversations and I can’t even remember when you didn’t talk. You can read books to yourself and have memorized a few and ones you don’t know, you remember after reading them 2-3 times.

Some of your favorite things right now are clocks (still). You did become less obsessed a few months back but somehow they piqued your interest again recently and every day you have to see 2 in the morning and 2 in the evening. Unless you are naughty, and then that privilege is taken away from you. Speaking of being naughty, my oh my, have you seen timeout in the last few months. I’m not sure you even had seen it before you were 2. There was a stretch you were serving time out once or twice a day. You still cry often if you don’t get your way, but we’re working on ignoring you and walking away. You have frustrated me lately when you throw your fits and sometimes after I walk away, you give in and decide to follow. Sometimes you don’t. You also love your Tag Jr books Nana gave you for your bday, you still love to read and you are obsessed again with YGG, although you had your run with SuperWhy. You are getting more interested in Thomas (whom we got to ride on a few weeks back). You love to go to the park and play outside with Alyssa and Jessica. You still love music with all your being and have to listen to YGG in the car every day on the way to and from school.

You still are not the best eater, but have branched out a little in the last few months. Mealtime isn’t the struggle it used to be since I’ve given up trying to make you eat. You do love going to Cracker Barrel though and getting grilled cheese, bacon and chocolate milk…yum, what a combination! Just in the last month or so you have been interested in the potty and just in the last week have started going in school. You would pee occasionally if we would put you on the potty here, but always refused to go at school, so we’re making some progress. Speaking of school, you’ve been in your new class with Ms. Angie for about 2 months now. I still don’t love it and there are TONS of kids. It’s definitely my least favorite class you’ve been in but I think that you’re adjusting ok. You’re just one of many now. You have become so much more independent and are walking up and down stairs all alone and want to do many things ‘by myself’. In fact, looking back on this time in your life, I wish I had written you letters a little more frequently, because the last 6 months have definitely been momentous.

In the last few months you have enjoyed another Christmas that thrilled you like crazy. You were in love with the lights of course. You had a very snowless winter and only got to play once in the snow. You enjoyed your 1st egg hunt and another trip to the beach. You also had your 1st overnight without Mommy and Daddy while you stayed with Nana and Grandiddy and it was a success. You slept in a ‘big boy’ bed at the beach house for the 1st time and were so proud of yourself. However, the biggest news in your world right now is the fact that in just 4 months, you are going to be a big brother! Your new little brother is due in September and although you cried when you found out it was going to be a boy, I think you will be an awesome big brother and you guys will be best buddies. We will most likely move to you a ‘big boy’ room in the process and we have a few other things hopefully to prepare you for your new role.

These letters never capture everything that you are at the moment, but are just a small snapshot into what I can recall are the most prominent parts of your personality at the present. I always fear I’m going to leave something huge out but at least I have the blog also to back me up. I do wish I had the time to write you these letters more often, but I have a feeling life is about to get really busy, really quickly. I do look forward to spending these last few months with you as my only child. I hope I feel good enough this summer to give you all the time you deserve. I can’t wait to do our Mommy and me things and go to the pool and just hang out together as we prepare for the coming of a new part of our family and our lives. Gage Paxton, you will always be my baby and can never ever be replaced. Sometimes I think about cuddling with you and how I’ll have less time, but I know we can still make it work and that you will be an awesome big brother. Your Daddy and I love you soo soo much and are thankful for you every day. We couldn’t ask for anything more. We love you, bug!

Love
Mommy

Happy 2nd Birthday, Gage Paxton!

Dearest Gage,


I will try not to state the obvious…time flies. My sweet baby boy is no longer that! You are a full on toddler now and are becoming quite the little man. Your language and vocabulary has exploded in the last 2 months. You were already ahead of the game to an extent, but now you are speaking in full sentences and we can actually hold a conversation. I’m not sure there’s anything you can’t repeat and you understand 100% of what we say. You say things like, ‘I forgot’ and ‘right dare’, that crack us up. You sing like nobody’s business and you know probably 12-15 songs from beginning to end. You speak in 5-10 word sentences almost constantly. You have acquired a small stutter that we will discuss with the doctor in a few weeks.

You recently moved up to the ‘big boy’ room at daycare, which I’m still a little nervous about. You seem to be adjusting ok though and like your teachers so far. You are the 2nd youngest kid in your class, yet you are still the biggest talker, of course. You will really miss Ms. Crystal and Ms. Yvette though…they were so good to you.

Your absolute favorite things these days are any kind of music, playing with your choo-choo trains and reading books. You love to play with Sawyer and the girls next door, Alyssa and Jessica. Every day on the way home from school, you talk about your choo-choo trains constantly. You amuse yourself by reading books (you know almost all of their titles), drumming with your drumsticks and playing blocks and cars with Mommy and Daddy. You are smitten with clocks….not quite sure why, though you love “Granddiddy’s clock” and have been mesmerized with it since last Christmas. You constantly ask to see “Granddiddy’s clock” on the computer “one more time” and to watch videos of yourself. Your favorite TV show is still Yo Gabba Gabba and not much else (aside from Mickey Mouse) can hold your attention for more than a few minutes. I guess I can’t complain about that though, I don’t want to rot your brain too much with nonsense.

Another recent part of your 2nd year was your trip to Texas last month to be in Aunt Annie’s wedding. You were quite handsome and walked all the way down the aisle by yourself.

You have become quite the 2 year old lately, whining and fake crying if you don’t get your way. A couple of mornings this week you have thrown quite some fits and Mommy just walks away and lets you have your space. You also are quite the master manipulator when it comes to getting up in the middle of the night and trying to get Mommy and Daddy to do favors for you. “Fishies on, soothy bear off, water, please, etc.” You are still a little peanut and wear mostly 18 month clothes. Some of your pants that we bought you for this Fall are still too big and you’re currently rotating about 4 pairs. You weigh in at a little over 24lbs and are 33ins tall. You don’t have your 2 year appt. until a few weeks from now so I’m awaiting all the advice they’ll give us for potty training and dealing with a 2 year old. You still like to eat NO VEGETABLES WHATSOEVER. The only way we can get you to eat them is through baby food pouches (gross!). They offer them to you every single day at school, but nothing…. Your favorites are of course, grilled cheese, PB&J, grapes and oranges. You have branched out a little and eat some chicken at school and hamburger. I know it shouldn’t be a fight, but sometimes it’s so frustrating that you don’t eat a variety. That’s about all for the milestones.

Now I’ll move on to bragging about my sweet baby boy. You are so so smart, Gage. I know that’s all what Mommies say, but your memory is outstanding. You will hear a book or song once and can finish it the next time you hear it. You make connections very easily, the other day I said we needed to go to the book store and you said ‘I buy Yo Gabba Gabba book’ before we even went inside. (We haven’t been to the bookstore in ages.) You do love the library and aside from Mommy forgetting to take your books back, we try to go there often as well. You know all of your letters, numbers and colors and are working on counting to 20. You amaze me every day with new phrases and your adaptability. Daddy and I will continue to thank God for bringing you in our lives. And although you’re 2 years old now, you’ll always be Mommy’s baby. I am sure like always I have left something out, but it will have to do for now. Your next letter will come in May when you’re a big 2 and a half year old! I love you my sweets….to the moon and back.

Some favorite phrases at this age—“I like it”….which really means I don’t like it, ”’Scuse me”, “toots, PU”, “that clock plays music, right?” (every clock we see all.day.long), “oh no, what happened?”

Mommy

November 14, 2009

November 14, 2010

November 14, 2011

22 months...

**Disclaimer:  I did in fact write this letter on September 14th; however, didn't get it posted until now.  It was another deviation from my September Break, but a necessary one.  Enjoy!**

Dear Gage

It makes me nervous to even think that in just 60 days, I will have a 2 year old.  My little baby is growing up.  And although I look forward to the future, I miss the days of old when you would sleep on Momma's chest and want to cuddle all of the time.  You are getting to be quite independent these days. 

I just read your 20 month letter and I do have to say that I'm surprised about how much of it I would still write today.  Maybe this is kind of a plateau age.  I mean, I can't quite think of much more that you could do to amaze me.  Your language skils are way above average I can imagine and you are getting more interested in your friends, which is super cute.  You've grown a teeny bit since last the post it seems and are right under 23lbs.  I didn't measure you tonight, but will check on that tomorrow. (32.25 inches)  Everyone at daycare seems to think you've grown and I look at you sometimes and agree, but then when I measure you, it doesn't seem I'm right.  You are wearing 18 month clothes now, I have finally packed away 90% of the 12 month stuff.

You can recognize all of your letters now and about 6 of your colors regularly.  If you had asked me 3 weeks ago, I would've sworn you see in black and white because you were always 100% wrong about your colors.  We read books so much now, you can finish most of the sentences/rhymes on your own.  You ask often to go to the 'lie-buh-ree'.  I will try to take you at least every other week....I had gotten slack at the end of the summer.

Of course you started back to school at the end of last month and were not happy about it.  You said, 'Momma, I can't believe you're bringing me back here after 10 weeks away.'  hah....not really, but it was written all over your face.  You do tell me when I pick you up, 'I had good day.' and after you eat dinner, you always run over to Daddy and tell him, 'I eat......'.  You are STILL a picky eater, nothing has changed there.  You are more agile with stairs now although you crawl up them and slide down on your butt.  At least you attempt them now.  You don't have any super favorite toys at the moment, but have taken up a great interest in doodling and scribbling.  You do have 11 teeth now!  Crazy, I know!  You have all your  molars, 3 other bottom teeth and your top 4.  One of your bottom teeth is coming in WAY crooked, guess the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. 

Lately we have been having more playdates and it's fun to see you actually 'playing' with other kids.  You are getting a little more coordinated lately and have almost learned to jump.  Unfortunately the Little Gym is over for the summer, but we hope to go back next summer!  You haven't been sleeping the best lately and I'm not sure if you just need less sleep or what.  You have definitely been taking 'crap naps' since you've been back at school.  However, you have also gotten at least 3 teeth in the last 3 weeks, so that could have something to do with it.  I also have a feeling you're about to get naughty as you are nearing your 2nd birthday.  Who knows, maybe it's just a stage....

I'm sure I'll think of a hundred things tomorrow to add, but I think that pretty much sums you up these days.  I am falling more in love with you every day and cherish every moment I have with you when I'm not at work.  I  love your hugs and kisses every day when I pick you up and before bed.  I can't believe I will be planning your 2nd birthday party in the coming weeks.  I love you, my Gage, to the moon and back. 

Love, Mommy

This is what getting 3 teeth simultaneously looks like.