Two and a Half!

Bennett,
You are two and a half years old today! Oh man, the last 30 months have flown by!

I've said it before and I'm sure that I'll say it again, but being your mom is best and most difficult thing I've ever done. You are so spirited and strong-willed, sweet and caring, crazy and silly. You bring a smile to the face of anyone you meet.

You are very into imaginary play right now. You love to pretend about "creatures". You are always finding imaginary snakes, caterpillars and other animals. You like to have picnics under the table and have pretend "campouts" by bringing as many blankets and pillows as you can find into the middle of the living room. You like to pretend that Daddy and I are your grandsons.

You say some hysterical things. You frequently say that things are going to be "awesome". You will say that things are or are not your "favorite" if you want them or do not want them. You call the TV "television" and your potty chair is a "potty toilet". Today you kept telling us that your "Baby Siyas (Silas) hurts". I think you've heard me use that as an excuse for not playing on the floor with you a lot lately.

You are wearing some size 2T shirts and a few size 3T shirts, but are still in some 18-24 month pants and you can fit in a few 2T pants if they have adjustable waists. You've only gained .2 of a lb in the last 6 months and weigh about 27lbs. You were able to wear a lot of the same summer clothes this past summer that you wore last summer.

You still know all your colors and quite a few shapes. You can count to 12 or 13 consistently and can recognize some letters. I know that if I worked with you on it, you'd know more. That will be on the agenda for the next 6 months. You have several songs and books memorized. Some of your favorites songs are "Fishers of Men" and different songs from your favorite PBS shows. You love to read Eric Carle books.

You stopped taking naps for good last May, so you go to bed at 7:30 now. You generally sleep at least 12 hours, but lately you've been sleeping a little longer than that. You would never ever ask to go to sleep. You have way too much fun being awake. Every night we read a few books in your bed, listen to scripture lullabies and then I lay in bed with you until you fall asleep. This is one of our favorite times of day. You snuggle up and love to rub my back and play with my hair while you fall asleep.

Sometimes, you can be pretty mean to me and Daddy. We understand. Being two is tough. I want to be real here, because someday I'll want to look back and remember these things. Sometimes, when you are very upset with us, and we tell you we love you, you say "No! You don't love me!" Sometimes you hit us and kick us. Sometimes you scream when we want you to do something you don't want to do. Sometimes we don't know how to respond to you.

But most  of the time...you are kind and sweet. We say "I love you, Bennett" and you say "I love you so much!". Most of the time you will choose to obey when we lay out the choices (You can obey and _____ or you can disobey and get a time out. The choice is up to you). Most of the time you love to hug and kiss and cuddle.

You definitely need to be reminded of how much we love you. There have been times when you are in the middle of a tantrum and we've spent a lot of time disciplining you, that we tell you all the reasons that we love you and you calm down. You need to be reassured and affirmed.

You are pretty excited about your little brother who should be coming soon. I don't think you get it completely, but you love babies. Your whole demeanor completely changes when you get near them. You become so gentle and your voice gets soft. You say "shh, it's okay" when they cry and love to kiss them. Sometimes you'll talk to my belly and tell Silas that you love him.

Bennett, you are such a gift. We are so grateful that God has given you to us and can't imagine life without you. We can't wait to see you grow more and more and to see you as the best big brother ever. We love you so much!

Love,
Mommy