I’ve been thinking and decided it’s high time to write down
some things that I adore about you right now.
You are such a big boy.. almost three! I can hardly believe
that’s possible. I am so amazed when I watch you engage with your world. Even
on the boring days when we stay inside and do nothing much, you seem to find
things to wonder about (Mama, what’s that sound?), things to attempt (Look,
Mama! I’m jumping on the couch!), things to take in (Mama, I saw a campervan!
Is another one coming?). Watch out on the days we go out and do something
exciting. You will play in the rain until you’re shivering uncontrollably and
run through the park until your head is dripping with sweat and swim until
you’re so tired you can’t walk. Daddy and I have to get awfully creative to
find ways to get you to willingly come inside.
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| Last time enjoying the West Sands |
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| On a walk, randomly stopped, sat down, and informed us he was 'praying for Pippers' (my parents' dog) |
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| Showing me a beetle he had accidentally destroyed in his quest to figure out what it was doing |
You are an incredibly sensitive little soul. The things that
seem to touch you or upset you never cease to surprise me. A rousing rendition
of ‘On Top of Spaghetti’ that brings you to tears (What happened to the poor
meatball?). A simple noze nuzzle that fills your face with that sweet little
grin. The request for a BIIIIIG kiss before bed that sends you giggling. Your
concern that Mama is ok when she accidentally trips over the buggy (you actually
tried to help Mama up, you sweet thing!) or when she burnt the cake (The cake
is burning and that makes you sad, Mama.).
You are so enthusiastic about the scenarios you come up with
for your toys. Your brother often tries to get involved, which inevitably leads
to you throwing your body over your toys to protect them from his little
fingers. But, you are getting so good at finding other toys for him to play
with to distract him from the ones you are using, and you never turn down an
opportunity to run around with your little companion (sharing is easier when
we’re sharing steps and giggles than when we’re sharing toys, huh buddy?). I
love to listen as you play, to hear the creativity pour out of you, unbound by
the practicality and realism we wrap around ourselves in adulthood. Scooters
talk to space ships which become goggles that talk to bugs that fall into
ditches only to be rescued by the monkey puppet that was just waking up from
his nap after you so lovingly tucked him in.
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| Showing Mama his hot air balloon (see the basket underneath? :) |
Another entertaining bit of you that has been ongoing for
quite some time now is the way you narrate your own actions. You scream a
phrase and conclude by saying, ‘Aed screamed.’ You peer around a corner all the
while saying, ‘Then Aedster peeeeered around the corner.’ We often overhear
little mumbles about Aed looking out the window, or Aed ‘buffing’ something out
of someone’s hand. (You also like to make up action words that are quite cute.)
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| Did you know peanut butter and jelly tastes better with a hat on? |
And playing with Daddy, oh now that is something. There
isn’t a boy in this house that doesn’t love playing with Daddy. Be it ‘flying
like a police car’ or being chased down the hallway, or singing silly songs
together during baths, there is always endless squealing when Daddy is
involved. Not to mention the reading. You love to read with anyone, but Mama
knows reading with Daddy is special. You’d sit for hours if his voice would
hold out. You love Thomas, Curious George, Bob the Builder, Things That Go,
Little Critter, anything Dr. Seuss, and on and on. It is rare to find a book
you won’t happily listen to, expressing yourself as you sit. I love to watch
you fold your hands in your lap, only to cover your eyes or hold your chin when
it looks like George is getting himself into trouble again.
You are so friendly. It seems you know no strangers when
we’re out. Charming the librarians with your, ‘Hi there! Can I help you?’ and
the gas station clerks with, ‘Oh hi! What’s your name?’ We do get the
occasional quizzical look when you approach an unsuspecting person with a,
‘Where are you going?’ Or, ‘What are you doing?’ And you’re always asking Mama,
‘Who’s that?’ ‘What’s his name?’ Because obviously, Mama knows everything.
You are handsome and rambunctious. You are feisty and sweet.
You are cuddly and outgoing. You are shy and careful. You are amazing.
There is no part of me that doesn’t love you. I love
imagining who you will be as I learn more about who you are. Wondering how all this
energy will take shape. The last three years have been a wild ride. My first
baby, my first Buddy, the first voice that dubbed me Mama. You are the one and
only, my little Aedster.
