Bug-a-roo is 2!

I often wonder how much I will remember about these days.  They are in some ways such a whirlwind that I cannot imagine remembering much.  This year between 1 and 2 is so precious.  I really think it's one of my favorite times to be a parent.  The emerging of language and motor skills and social development makes it so exciting for the child and the parent, and so entertaining!

So of this last year, I wonder if I will remember, Bug, that you dribbled a soccer ball around the yard, rode a scooter all on your own, climbed a tree and jumped down, you started to talk more and more, you called yourself "Binny" and made a funny face that you said was "like Daddy."  You are desperate to do everything your sisters do and say what they say, and practically be them.  That's why one of your most common phrases is "me too."  I love the way you are trying out language, and mixing up the order of things, like when you say, "Mama, love you me" or "Carry you me."  I really love the way you sing a song, with a sweet little melody, and I still laugh at how particular you are about how the song it sung.  It must be just the way you like, or else you get in my face, nose-touching-nose and whisper "Bop (stop) Mama."  You have a wonderful urgency in your talking that adds excitement to just about everything you say.  Sometimes it means you try to say something for a painfully long period of time, trying to spit it out, but your mind is just going faster than those oral motor skills can handle.  You love balls and trucks and musical instruments and things to push (strollers, carts, etc) and things to build.  You love to run, and can easily run all the way around the block without stopping.  We have to spell the word "go" or else you insist on coming too (no matter where or when).  I'm pretty sure I'll remember how you love to eat someone else's food, so much so, that we have to play a little game with you in order to get you to eat.  We have to pretend the food on your plate is our's, and tell you not to eat it!  You and Stella are very, very good friends.   You roll on each other, sit on each other, hug, kiss, and chase.

We love you very much, birthday boy.  We cannot imagine life without you!  You light up all of our lives.