Happy Birthday, Lovebug

Today you are 12.

TWELVE. 

I mean, it's pretty obvious from your sense of humor. And the fact that you're (slightly) taller than I am.

But still.

You recently defined your style as "classy nerd" and I think the fact that we've gotten to the point where you have not only thought about this, but created a name for it, indicates just how much you've matured since the last time I wrote you a birthday blog.

One of the many things that impresses me about you is how well you know yourself. You're more sure of your identity at 12 than many young adults are in college. Yet you're not rigid. You roll with the punches surprisingly well for a kid who used to bang his head on the floor when there were too many transitions in your 2 year old day.

You amazed people by running lights live during the fall play, so much so that they're letting you work on the sound board during the spring musical, which is supposed to be for 7th and 8th graders only. You impressed your band teacher so much that she nominated you for elementary honor band. Your grades are spectacular - your hard work is really paying off.

You're a great kid, Lovebug.

Not because of the accolades or how responsible you are or how helpful you are, but because of how good-hearted you are. You are relentlessly honest.  You take such good care of your little brother, even when you don't need to. And the way you get emotionally invested when you hear about injustice, or upset when something bad happens to someone else, shows how much compassion you have.

Unless you're making fun of a bad TV show. Then you're just brutally funny.

I am so honored to be your mom.

I love you.

Happy Birthday, Mom!

Most years on her birthday, I list the reasons why my mom is cooler than your mom. While this is still true,

And you'll never convince me otherwise, so don't try. 

this year I'm going to tell you a story.

When I was about 7 or 8, my mom and flew to meet my dad somewhere. We had gotten upgraded to first class and I remember the glares of the businessmen (for it was all men) as we settled in. I remember being offended that these businessmen seemed to think I was going to act like a screaming baby, so I decided to show them how mature I was.

Instead of removing my Barbies from my tote bag, I decided to have a quiet conversation with my mother.

Anyone who has talked to me after a glass of wine should be able to imagine my 7 year old version of "quiet". 

There'd been something I'd been meaning to ask her anyway, because my mom answered - or tried to find the answer to - everything I asked her. In the days before the internet, this took a lot of effort.

I don't think it made me the intellectual giant she was exactly hoping for, but I am fabulous at Trivial Pursuit. 

In some commercial or magazine ad or comment in a book I was probably too young to be reading, I'd read the word "douche". I had no idea what one was and I couldn't let that stand. So, surrounded by scowling businessmen on a crowded plane, I began our conversation with,

"Mom, what's a douche?"

To my mom's immense credit, she answered me. . .albeit much more quietly than I think I'd ever heard her speak. I don't remember exactly what she said, but I do know she got to the gist very, very quickly. And then I think she gave me a new book that she'd probably been saving for when I was bored and whiny later on in the flight.

And I was more than happy to read that book, because learning about douches was not as much fun as when she'd explained what suffragettes were.

Happy Birthday, Grandma

Today would have been my Grandma's 100th birthday. And while I know that she was ready to leave us at 82, I selfishly wish she was still here all the time.

I remember interviewing her when I was studying the depression in high school. "How did your family's life change when the depression hit?" I asked.

"It didn't," she replied.

Her dad had left when she was pretty young, but through my great-grandma playing piano in movie theaters and a wide network of aunts and uncles, they'd always had enough to eat and wear. It took me about 10 minutes of questioning to discover all this, because my grandma was more interested in recounting all the fun times she'd had during the depression than anything, well, depressing.

Years later, the family assembled in Ohio for her 80th birthday celebration. She'd moved out of her beloved house/town in Pennsylvania a few years earlier to be closer to family, so we were all piled into her small apartment, visiting and watching some kind of sport on TV. I discovered her 1930s era high school yearbooks on a shelf in the corner.

And yes, I mean discovered. My grandma was a pack rat of the highest order, and even though she'd purged a lot in her move, her place was still filled to the brim with stuff. 

I began to look through them and ask questions. Soon she joined me on the couch to walk down memory lane. I was looking for wisdom; she wanted to tell me which boys she'd found cute and which ones she'd dated.

Both of these were much higher numbers than I'd expected. They were also much higher than the numbers my own grandchildren will hear should they ever peruse my yearbook with me. 

I didn't see the wisdom in our discussion for a long time. Knowing my grandmother was boy-crazy was not going to help me decide what to do about my imploding first marriage, I'd thought.

I didn't see her choosing what was worth holding onto.

It didn't gel with the perception I had of my grandmother. I saw her as an overprotective worrier, who demanded my mother call her after arriving at destinations, who didn't want 12 year old me reading 17 magazine, who got nervous from my dad's driving. I saw her as someone who always assumed the worst. And she did - when she was anticipating the unknown.

But every time I asked her about the things she'd survived:  the depression, or how she'd coped having my mom at 20 and my aunt at 21 and divorcing soon after, or surviving 2 more husbands, or surviving cancer, she told me a funny story.

Usually about dating or marriage. Sometimes about her adventures with her cousins. 

She was convinced that every plane any of her family members took was doomed to crash until she heard otherwise. . .but if she'd actually survived a plane crash, her story about it would have involved how she got extra packets of peanuts or something.

I am slowly learning to focus on the positive as I tell my own story - hence this post instead of a regular Trophy Tuesday. She taught me so much more than I ever gave her credit for.

My first solid memory of my Grandma involves a trip to a Woolworth's, or somewhere like a Woolworth's.

Hey youngsters, if you're too lazy to look up Woolworth's, read this. 

There was a ride in front, a horse that went up and down that I'd been looking forward to for the entire trip through the store. Finally, Grandma took me out to it and I proceeded to imagine that I was riding a real horse. I was debating asking Grandma for another ride

I was her youngest grandchild. I think I learned how to exploit this before I learned to ride a bike. 

when I realized that she was talking to two kids by the door. I had an immediate aversion to them.

Grandma had missed me climbing off the horse all by myself because she was talking to them! 

But it wasn't just jealousy, it was fear. I'd never seen kids in such dirty clothes out in public before. And they were glaring at me AND my grandma. My instinct was to run as far away from them as my approximately 5 year old legs would carry me.

I looked at the parking lot of giant cars in front of me and decided to hide behind my grandma instead.

The girl seemed angry that my Grandma had offered them change to ride the horse, but eventually relented enough to let her little brother ride. He exclaimed he'd never ridden on one before.

It took a while for my young brain to process that. I genuinely didn't know about people not having an extra nickel or two for a ride.

Grandma came up with reasons for us not to leave until the kids' mom came out of the store. Looking back, I can only assume that she wanted to check her out. And give her all the change in her wallet.

In the car I got a tiny bit of a lecture on being more compassionate and less bratty, though she didn't use quite those terms. But the way that she reached out to those unpleasant-seeming kids stuck with me forever.

I'm so lucky that she was my Grandma for as long as she was.

Happy 9th Birthday, Lovebug!

Dear Lovebug,

      I haven't blogged in a long while, but you've inspired me. You are such a great kid; though with all the maturing you've done this year it seems more appropriate to call you a young man. You are so responsible and helpful.

Though you do still love Legos. I love how you build things according to the directions, then let them morph into new objects. You've started to teach your brother your Lego building tricks and I love listening to the two of you build and play together. You also still love to draw comics; I love how you write little stories in each birthday card you make.

Your newest passion is electronics. You've gone from building snap circuits to attempting actual circuits and I'm pretty sure you understand Ohm's Law better than I do. I can't wait to see what you do next.

This year you started karate and were chosen as the first student of the month at your karate school. Your focus and strength in class have impressed everyone around you and put you in the leadership program very quickly. I love watching you in class.

You still love basketball and I think that's where I've seen you grow most of all. Last year it was hard for you to handle disappointments during games, let alone getting bumped and bruised. This year your rec team had to face a travel team that played VERY aggressively and not only did you handle some serious bruising without a tear, you had a positive attitude the entire time.

You have such a mature sense of humor. It may be a little too mature, but you can really make me laugh. And if all that wasn't enough to make you "Captain Awesome" (your video game name these days), there's also the way you excel in school and are so good to your siblings.

I am so lucky and proud to be your mom,
Mommy

Happy 10th Birthday, Ironflower!

Dear Ironflower,

Today you are 10 years old. Double digits, as you keep reminding me. I started blogging before you turned 3. I had to read the letters about you turning 4, 5, 6, 7,  8, and 9 to remind myself that it's not exactly shocking that you've been around for a decade.

You still love reading and animals and imaginative play. Even if that play now means making movies starring your American Girl Dolls. Your favorite color is now teal and you positively shun all things pink. Your birthday party "theme" was teal and zebra. You love Taylor Swift and Katy Perry, but you still don't like Justin Bieber or One Direction (thank goodness). The first song you bought for your iPhone was Bang, Bang, so you've definitely become a pop fan.

You have gone from grudgingly taking ballet to improve your overall dance skills to loving ballet so much that you're taking an extra hour of it every week. In addition to the many other hours you take dance and rehearse. In the last year you have gone from "I'll see what this company thing is like" to "I love competitions." You've worked so hard and it really shows, both in your skills and in your self-confidence. I love watching you on stage.

I also loved watching you on the soccer field. Even though you would describe yourself as "not the best player", and you've never wanted to do an extra soccer class or practice, you went out there every week and tried your best and cheered for your teammates.

This year you've started learning clarinet, as well as dancing and excelling in school and becoming really good at HALO and Minecraft. I am amazed at how you manage to keep up with everything as well as be such a good friend, loving sister and my favorite person with whom to watch Project Runway.

I feel so lucky and proud to be your mom,
Mommy

Happy 6th Birthday, Hugmonkey!

Dear Hugmonkey,

     I am having a hard time realizing that my baby is a six year old kindergartner. As much as I enjoy watching you learn to read and add and use sarcasm, it's difficult to accept that you won't want to sit on my lap for too much longer.

You are starting to read independently and it's such a joy to watch. Your favorite right now is to read the "Fly Guy" books by Tedd Arnold. You've gone from tentatively playing Mario Kart on the Wii to setting up the Xbox so that you can play Minecraft on it. You definitely love your screen time. Even when you play outside with your friends, half of the time you guys are acting out video games.

You are such a social butterfly. You have already made so many new friends in kindergarten without forgetting about all of your preschool friends. You love to play with everybody. It's so fun to hear your detailed descriptions of your days at school; most stories feature the kids you played with or read with or interacted with in some way.

You started karate this year and I am amazed at your ability to concentrate and focus during class. Social as you are, you've done a great job paying attention in karate and during your soccer games. You love to help in the kitchen; you make preparing breakfast for everyone so much easier every day. You've also developed a strong interest in drawing; suddenly you are making all these detailed pictures.

You still tell your stories, but now you act them out with figures and/or cars and/or trucks. You love nothing more than to play pretend games with your brother and sister; you really bask in their attention. You make me smile every day.

                                                                                                 I am so lucky to be your mom,
                                                                                                           love,
                                                                                                         Mommy

Happy 8th Birthday, Lovebug!

Dear Lovebug,

     It seems like just yesterday you were that little boy in the picture above. But now you're an amazing 8 year old. 

In some ways you haven't changed much in the last year; you still love Legos and basketball more than anything. You are constantly drawing stories and creating worlds. You are still affectionate and beyond your years in math. In other ways, though, you've really evolved.

Three years ago you were terrified of the water. This year you asked to continue swimming lessons so you'd be more prepared for the swim team this summer. Two years ago you teared up when your behavior was corrected. Today you usually take corrections in stride. A year ago it was hard for you to make it through a full school day. Today you manage that, homework and activities easily. You've gone from struggling with handwriting to starting lovely cursive. You've turned into an avid reader.

And what you love to read is books that are funny. You have such a sense of humor, you love to make up funny stories - whether the humor is appropriate or not. You've made me laugh so many times. I love that you can see the silly side of life.

I feel so lucky that I get to be your mom. You are so kind to other kids and adore your brother and sister (when they're not getting on your nerves). You are so responsible about getting your homework done and remembering what you need for your activities. Whenever you play a sport, you work really hard during practices and games. Your focus amazes me.

                                                                                         I love you so much and I'm so proud to be
                                                                                                              Your Mom

Happy 9th Birthday, Ironflower!

Dear Ironflower,

     Every time I find it hard to believe that you are 9 - like when I see a picture like this:

Or like this:

You then say something so smart or hilarious that I am reminded that you are, in fact, an amazing kid - but not so much my little girl anymore. You've handled the transition to the notably difficult third grade curriculum so well, on top of many hours of dance a week and having to wear uncomfortable spreaders. You are so capable. 

You are a devoted friend and would prefer to be friends with everyone. You try to be inclusive and are able to get along with so many different ages of kids. That makes me so proud of you. You also play so well with your brothers; despite needing some alone time in your room sometimes, you are close to both of them. 

Though you've been reading for a while, I feel like this year you began a devotion to the printed word that rivals my own. You read for fun. You'll read just about anything put in front of you, but you have definite preferences. And you've become a definite Harry Potter nerd, with a love of Hermione that makes me tear up a little. 

I love that you still play with your American Girl dolls and Legos and your imagination. You are (very sensibly) not rushing off into crushes on One Direction and only being able to entertain yourself with screens. You're already asking for a phone, though. 

You are great at standing up for yourself and speaking your mind. Even when it's not necessarily the best time to do that. I hope with all my heart that you stay this independent and strong-willed forever; even though it might drive us crazy during your teen years. 

You are still interested in sea animals and ocean life. I love that you are so against Sea World after learning about some of their practices from the young woman at Clearwater Marine Aquarium. We don't even need to watch Blackfish, which I'm pretty sure would break your heart. 

Ironflower, I love you so much and I'm so honored to be your mom. Much as I may occasionally miss the little girl you used to be (I do so love buying flouncy dresses), I adore the young woman you're becoming. 

       Love,           

 Mommy       

Happy 5th Birthday, Hugmonkey!

Dear Hugmonkey,

     Today you are 5 years old. I am constantly entertained by the person my baby has turned into. Though you regularly remind me that you are not a baby anymore. You are so affectionate that I can handle it, though. You give the best hugs; it's so sweet when you hug your friends at school and your siblings when you think they need it.

     You still love school, even though you are learning a lot more than just how to get along and write your name. You've developed a serious love of rhyming this year and you've gotten really good at it. I love listening to you "read" your letter books; you'll be reading actual books before we know it. I love how you'll rhyme or count to entertain yourself.

     Though your real way to entertain yourself is still by telling stories. You'll "read" books by reciting what you think is happening in them, you tell stories with your cars and Lego people and you thrive on telling adults your stories. You've gone from having an imaginary alternative family to telling tall tales about your friends at school; one visited Antarctica last weekend and another has created a game that's better than Minecraft.

    Speaking of which, this year you have learned to actually play games like Minecraft and Temple Run. You love your Kindle, but you'll happily watch your brother play games on the Wii if the Kindle is charging. You've even starting playing Mario Kart on the Wii. You've also learned to build your own Legos this year, instead of just following the kit or getting Lovebug to make you Legos. You've gone from enjoying swimming lessons to actually swimming. You've gone from being dragged to games and classes to playing on a soccer team of your own. You've gone from dressing yourself in what I've laid out to having very definite opinions on what you want to wear. You still love your green frog rain boots, though.

     I am so happy that I get to be your mom. I love you so very much, my handsome* guy.

                                                                                                                      love,
                                                                                                                     Mommy

                                                                                                         

                 

*You have specifically requested that I stop calling you cute. 
   

Lovebug Is Seven!

Dear Lovebug,

I am so proud of you. I know that a full day at school is hard for you, but you have this incredibly positive attitude about it. You are doing so well in school, too. You've figured out so many math concepts ahead of time and pushed yourself until you could read the Captain Underpants books all by yourself. I was so worried about your handwriting, but you got it figured out.

Legos are still your favorite thing in the world. Much as you like Lego Star Wars and Mario Kart on the Wii, it's Legos you miss during your long days at school and activities. I love how you can just build by yourself or create imaginary worlds and games with your siblings. You love making up games with your friends, too. You've even got them making comic books with you.

This year you've been playing a lot of basketball, it is definitely your favorite sport right now. Though you are excited for baseball to start again and you like to go to soccer games too. Especially if you can be the goalie. You're also taking a diving class, which you really seem to love, though part of that may be that you get to take it with your sister. You also love acting class.

You are interested in so many things and you have such an interesting way of seeing the world. You are so affectionate; I love that you still let me hug you at drop off and will still hold my hand sometimes. Occasionally you still worry too much and have anxiety about things, but you've really learned to verbalize it and to take deep breaths when needed.

                                                                                       I am so lucky to be your mom,
                                                                                                   love,
                                                                                                  Mom

Ironflower Is 8

Dear Ironflower,

Eight years ago today, you made me a mother. You have become such an amazing kid - you make me look like a good mother, too. It is so exciting to watch you grow from cute little girl to fantastic big girl.

This year you became an avid reader; you have been known to ignore people while reading. I know that technically that's rude, but every time you do it I feel so proud. You've also become extremely interested dolphins and marine life - now you want to be a marine biologist.

Or an actress. From a preschooler who wouldn't even sing or look at the crowd to someone who sparkles every time she's on stage, you definitely have the talent.

Or a fashion designer/model. You have such a strong sense of style and you love to draw clothes. I love watching Project Runway with you and discussing all the outfits.

You can do anything you set your mind to, kiddo. You are so determined and passionate and smart. I love how you're so curious about so many things and have so many interests. And you are so self-disciplined; you may complain about having to do your homework, but you always do it. You take ballet even though you don't like it that much, just so you can become a better dancer. You had to wait months before getting an American Girl doll and you never complained.

In addition to all of those qualities, you are kind. You are friendly to everyone and try to include everyone when you play. You are honestly upset when kids tease other kids, even if it has nothing to do with you. You are a wonderful big sister, embracing Legos because your brothers love them and helping them whenever you can.

I am so proud and lucky to be your mom. I love you so much.

Happy Birthday!

love,
Mommy

Happy 4th Birthday, Hugmonkey!

My baby Hugmonkey,

I know you're not a baby anymore. But you'll always be my baby. And you still love to cuddle and sit in my lap, so there's that for me to hold onto. You have grown up so much this year, buddy.

You love going to the same school as Ironflower and Lovebug, and you love school in general. You are so friendly and outgoing, all of your classmates' parents get such a kick out of you. You already know how to work a crowd, kiddo.

You love to tell stories. Some of your stories are true and some are not, but you are equally passionate about both. You are so expressive and have such a big vocabulary, I really wish I recorded more of our conversations. You love to listen to stories, too. I'm amazed at how much you've taken in of Harry Potter as I've read it to your brother and sister. You are also a big fan of the The Little Engine That Could, anything by Mo Willems and the Max and Ruby stories.

In the last year, you've gone from being afraid of the water to being excited for swimming lessons. You've gone from being physically aggressive when frustrated, to yelling out your feelings. You've gone from refusing to put your shoes on to dressing yourself. You've gone from being nervous on big slides to climbing up them gleefully. You have grown into such a big, wonderful boy.

You still love trains and Legos, but now you put things together yourself instead of waiting for your brother to do it. You like puzzles and playing with the Rescue Heroes. You especially adore playing with your brother and sister.

You melt my heart every time you tell me you love me. You give amazing hugs on a regular basis. You have the best smile.

Wearing your favorite shoes, your green rainboots. 

I feel so proud and lucky to be your mom. 

love,

Mommy

Lovebug Is SIX

Darling Lovebug,

     Today you are six.  You have grown up so much in the past year, yet you still hold my hand when we walk to the car. You are still my Lovebug, even though you're reading and swimming and doing all those things you were so worried about last year. This year you've become so much more self-confident.

You've tried soccer, basketball, a boys' dance class and a science class. Not to mention being dropped off at birthday parties and playdates. Just a few years ago you were afraid to try anything new, now you're signed up for tee-ball because you think it sounds cool. I love that you're interested in so many things.

I can't believe I was so worried about you not knowing anyone in your kindergarten class; today you count them all as friends. I am so proud of the way you want to include everyone when you play. You are so kind to kids who others consider "different". You definitely have buddies, though, who share your passion for Legos, Angry Birds, the Wii and Hot Wheels.

Your interest in games like Angry Birds, Fruit Ninjas and Mario Kart is so strong that you want to be a game designer. And when you're not allowed to have any more screen time, you create the games in real life with blocks or whatever else you can find. Most of your free time, though, you spend building. Legos are definitely your favorite, but you are still willing to put elaborate Thomas track systems together for your little brother.

                                                                             I am so lucky to be your mom,
                                                                               love,
                                                                            Mommy

Happy Birthday to a Seven Year Old

Dear Ironflower,

     You have evolved so much this year. You're still talkative and friendly and bright, but now you can read well. And swim. And use sarcasm. You've gotten to play soccer, skip a level in dance and start Irish dance lessons. You want to try so many new things, you have such an adventurous spirit. I love the way you're so curious about the world.

     This year you decided that you had stage fright, despite having a solo in the kindergarten concert, loving your dance recital and creating a play with your best friends. Then you solved the stage fright/play problem by choosing to direct the play. You are such a great problem solver. But I have to admit, you enjoyed no activity as much as you enjoyed the school art show. You absolutely glowed.

     This year, you have gotten over pink. You are all about purple and blue. Especially purple. You have also gotten over the Disney Princesses. I'm not sure if this is related to meeting so many of them at Disney World or not. Anyway, now you are all about fairies. Tinkerbell, of course, but lately it's been the Rainbow Magic fairies (and all their books) that really hold your attention. When you play, you are always either a fairy or a horse.

     You love to watch iCarly, Barbie movies and Project Runway. You'll play Angry Birds, but you also enjoy Barbie Fashionista and some supermarket game I have yet to understand. You like to play with your Barbies, your brothers, dollhouses and do art projects most of all. You love to decorate for the holidays and play Kidzbop on the Wii.

     You love to take care of your brothers, unless they are driving you crazy. You have 2 best friends and the three of you are pretty sure there's a secret passage in the woods by your school. It is, of course, magical. Just like your imagination.

                                                                                      I love you so much, honey, and I'm so proud to be your mom.

                                                                                            love, Mommy

Happy Birthday, Hugmonkey!

My Hugmonkey,

     Today you are 3. Today you say "Ta Da!" when you poop on the potty and still want your pacifier when you go to sleep. Today I can still pretend you are my baby. But I know in my heart that you are really my little boy now. And what a little boy you are!

You are so passionate and verbal - such a combination of your brother and sister. You so want to do everything they do. You even listen to chapter books because they do! Though I think you like it best when one of them reads a picture book to you. But you have no qualms about standing up to them - or to anybody else, for that matter. You have such a great sense of self.

Right now you love all things car and train related, though you also enjoy coloring and playing with Legos. You also love to pretend to cook and sell ice cream. Your favorite show is Chuggington and your favorite books include Chicka Chicka ABC, Miss Nelson is Missing and The Little Engine That Could. You like to try to play soccer and tell knock-knock jokes, just like your siblings.

You enjoy preschool and going to the tot drop at the Y, or really anywhere there are new toys and bigger kids. You are learning to share and trying so hard not to be physically aggressive. You love to charm people  and your grin is irresistible.

                                                                           I love you so much and I'm so proud to be your mom,

                                                                                                       Mommy

Happy 5th Birthday, Lovebug!

My darling Lovebug,

     Yesterday you turned FIVE. Sometimes, like when you run up and give me a hug at the end of the school day, you still feel like my baby boy. Other times, as I watch you build complicated Lego contraptions and help your brother climb up the stairs, I fall in love with this boy you're becoming. It's an amazing transition.

      Right now, you are in love with Legos and Mario Kart on the Wii. You could play either one for hours and hours. You like cars and trains, but your main interest in them is setting up the roadways and tracks for them. This year you started taking a sports class, which you really enjoy. You try all the new skills with a lot of enthusiasm and love to cheer your friends on.

     The way you talk to your brother in the morning is so sweet - you take such good care of him that Mommy sometimes gets to take a shower, even. He wants to do and say everything that you do - you have so much patience with him, even when he's driving you crazy. But your sister is definitely your best friend - you guys practically have your own language of silliness. I love how every time we went to the drug store at Christmas time, you found something that your sister would like. You are such an amazing brother.

     This year  you've gone from never drawing or writing anything to writing your full name and drawing pictures with some details. You've tried rides that made you nervous. You've gotten over your dislike of the bathtub. You've survived a broken arm. You've had to be really brave and persistent and that makes me so proud of you.

     You have such a vivid imagination, which is such a blessing when you're building and not so great when you're worried about something. You are so friendly and affectionate, yet still able to play by yourself and complete tasks independently. You want to be an Imagineer, but not for Disney; you want to create PBS Kids World. And you want your 3 best friends from preschool to work with you as imagineers, while your siblings perform in Kids World shows. That's a pretty amazing plan for a 5 year old.

     I am so glad I get to be your mom. I love you so much.

    Love,
  Mommy

    

Sometimes I Am As Sappy As the Next Mommy Blogger

Darling ChunkyMonkey,

Today you are 1. The nurses christened you ChunkyMonkey when you were born, with your 9 pounds of cuteness and great skill in nursing. You are not really chunky, but solid and definitely a good eater. The monkey part, however, is apt. You remind me of Curious George.

You love to know what's inside of everything and you want to touch it all yourself. You are the only child of mine to take an interest in the water in the toilet and to try to eat dirt. If there's an open door, you want to go through it. If there's something new to see, you want to see it up close.

And how your face lights up when something makes you happy. It's worth it to let you crawl in the dirt to see you smile. You have the most amazing smile, kiddo. You are learning about language; right now you can give 5, wave and gesture up and down on command. Your favorite speech sound is "Da", but it's many inflections can indicate your father (Dada), what's this (Da Da?) or anything else you are trying to tell us. When you're unhappy, you moan (Daaaa,Daaaa,Daaaa) and then progress to full on screaming.

You are very sure of your wants and preferences, even if I don't always understand them. You love fruit and fruit juice, pretzels and french fries. You love to try new foods, but you'll yell if you want something that isn't offered. You are wonderful at playing by yourself, but more than anything you want to do what Lovebug is doing. You have just recently begun to enjoy books, and you favorites are the "Touch and Feel" series.

You are my surprise baby in so many ways, little one. And I look forward to all the rest of the surprises you have in store for me as you grow. I love you more and more each day,

Mommy

PS If you could stop biting and pulling hair, I'd appreciate it. And maybe get over the tantrums. Just a thought. XOXO