You are officially a big brother! Baby Elise was born April 13 and you are very taken with her! You seem to actually understand that she came out of my big belly. It was so precious to watch you hold her for the first time, and lean in to kiss her. You are always asking me “where's baby Ellie?” and you request frequently, “Can I pet it?” (yes, IT!) It has been hard for you too, though, to give up your baby status. You've definitely been misbehaving and overreacting more than normal, and while you have never been unkind to the baby, you have pushed your way onto my lap a time or two.
You are talking in full sentences with correct grammar all the time now. In fact, you are so careful of your grammar that some longer sentences are almost halting, “Can I . . . come with you . . . to the store?” as if you're afraid of using the wrong word! You definitely seem like a big boy now that you can talk so well. These fluent words also are allowing you to let out your inner bossiness – I often hear “NO, Isaac” or “That's my toy, Abby!” You seem to have an idea of just what everyone should or should not do. As long as they conform to your plan, you are one happy boy. It's when one of us has the gumption to interfere that you get crabby! I have observed that you are often the most content when the older two kids are not around – it's almost like they interfere too much with your idea of fun.
When you're immersed in play, it's not uncommon to find you wearing a backwards hat, Isaac's sunglasses, Abby's shoes, with a toy cell phone in hand, riding your little retro rocket (“car”). “I going to Wynaoming, Mom. See you! Be back tomorrow!” Or you'll push the buttons on your musical toys and spin wild circles around the living room. Or you'll be “cooking” in the playroom and start crying when the “meal” you're bringing upstairs to me falls off the plate. You are by far the most engaged with play of any child I've had.
Anything is fair game as a toy, however. I have to really watch what you get into! You love to stack cans and boxes on the pantry shelves, check out spray triggers on cleaning supplies, hide in the kitchen cupboards. Just today you used a spare computer fan and “plugged” the cord in to the heater vent in the wall. “I'm working,” you said.
By far, books are your favorite thing. You no longer sit for just board books, you love full length picture books – and several in a row. I honestly don't know how long you'd sit if I just kept reading. You can identify ALL the letters of the alphabet and often ask me to help you write them. Your very favorite books are alphabet based, “Chicka chicka boom boom” for example, or rhythmic.
I think you are a difficult and glorious child to parent! I love that you are so engaged, so full of life and interest in everything, so bright and precocious. But it is so difficult when your decisive will conflicts with what I am telling you to do – even “Sit down in your highchair” can become a massive battle if you decide you'd rather do something else. I also think I am a little nervous to teach a child who has taught himself the whole alphabet at two. And did I mention that you've started skipping naps – frequently? Oh, Matt-Matt, may God give me strength to do right by you. And may he give grace to cover when I fail.
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