So much to love at 26 months

Oops ... I somehow missed last month, but not to worry because it isn't hard for me to make this month's just a little longer to compensate.

When I filled out Luke's forms to start preschool a few weeks back, one of the questions on the personal history/inventory was something to the effect of, "What has been the most enjoyable stage thus far with your child?" I thought and thought about it, and then realized that my initial reaction was truly the answer: "Right now!"

1) I love to hear you talk. We still don't catch all that you say, but we get most of it. And, if we don't get it, you seem to know this (even if I say, "Oh, really?") and you will repeat it over and over (sometimes 10 times!) in the hopes that I will get a clue as to what you mean.

2) I love to hear all of the new words that you learn every day. Yesterday after school you told me that you went on the playground ... and you were so obviously proud that you knew that new word and had said it correctly "playground."

3) I love that you are now a full-time parent to Monkey. He goes EVERYWHERE with you. You even put him in the bathtub the other night after I had mentioned that he was dirty. I later showed you where Monkey takes his baths (in the washing machine). He also eats every meal with you, goes to school, the store, the park, etc.

4) I love how you tell Brooklyn what she should be doing - this is the one case where you are definitely bossy.

5) I love that you love to give all kinds of kisses now: butterfly, eskimo, blowing kisses, and kisses on the cheeks and lips. Too sweet!

6) I love how you come and snuggle in bed with us when you wake up in the morning.

7) I love that you still actually like your naptime and lately you suggest that it is "night night time." Now, whether you actually want to sleep once we get up there is another story!

8) I love that you are starting to really comprehend that you are going to have a little sister. You will say hi to her, apologize to her when you kick my belly, and give her kisses. I just know that you are going to be a great big brother.

9) I love that even though you absolutely detest what we are giving you for dinner (you either refuse to touch it, or gag on it), you then say, "Mmm, Daddy, I like!" as though it was the best thing you've ever tasted. I guess you think that this is what you're supposed to say :)!

10) I love how you remember so much. You still tell me all about your ride on the train, and the trip we took to the firehouse.

11) I love that you want to help all the time. You want to help change the laundry, water the flowers, mop the floors, and cook dinner. You also know how to help put your toys away, and you are so good at it, making sure that each thing is in its place.

12) I love that you remind me every morning that you need a vitamin (sometimes I DO need reminding!).

13) I love to watch you play and figure things out. In the past month you have become really good at playing independently. It is amazing to see your mind and imagination at work. Puzzles, books, blocks, and your train sets are some of your favorites right now.

14) I love that you need us to love you when you wake up from your nap. You always say, "Hi, Mommy (or Daddy). Hi." and then you want to sit in one of our laps and snuggle for a few minutes while you wake up and tell us, "I sleep good."

15) I love how well you are doing at school. You are turning into such a little boy and you couldn't be more fun right now.