20 Months

Dear Sam,

You turned 20 months old on the 7th, and I'm a little late since croup got the best of you last week.  It is unbelievable that you are in the twenties for months and that in 4 short months I will have a 2-year-old. Since you've been under the weather this week, I used a few of your pictures that we did recently with Lexi.

You are a big boy.  At the doctor last week you were 27.6 pounds.  You are rapidly gaining on Avery in weight and height.  You wear 24m or 2T clothing and are still a 6.5 shoe.  We are moving to size 5 diapers.

You're still waking between 6 and 6:30 a.m., napping at 1 p.m. for 1.5 to 2 hours, and going to bed at 7 p.m.  While I'm pleased that your sleep schedule has remained the same, I am slightly sad that your eating preferences haven't changed either.  This month you even slimmed down your breakfast choices, refusing pancakes or waffles many times before settling on a Nutrigrain bar.  You continue to get what we have for dinner, but we have mainly curbed the dinnertime tears by always having a yogurt, cheese, and fruit on your plate.  Usually that's all you eat.  Obviously you are growing, and I try to be confident that they way we are handling things will one day result in you having a more varied palate.

You continue to be busy, as evident in these pictures.  You like balls and trucks, climbing, jumping, and being outside.  Avery can usually rope you into some of her playing, and while I usually don't know what y'all are doing, you both seem to.  You think you are big, and if you can do it, you think you should be doing it.  From the rock wall on the swing set to the dining room table, not much can stand in your way.  You still like to read, but you also like to watch TV.  We can't quite figure out what you're telling us, and often you need a new show every 10 minutes.  Mickey, Caillou, and Toy Story (Buh!) are always hits.

"No" and "mine" are heard frequently now, but overall (aside from the steroids and being sick) you are pretty good-natured.  You are quick to tell Avery when you do not need her love and are quick to tell Mama when you need some cuddling.  You are not a kisser or hugger unless someone asks, but you are happy to climb right into a lap to rock and snuggle.  New words are popping out all the time, and I'm amazed by all the things you're putting together in your mind these days.

Sam, you are such a joy in our lives.  You love your family and love life, and that makes every day with you wonderful and exciting.  While I'm sad that my baby boy is steadily growing bigger, I look forward to seeing what fun and adventure we find with you as a sweet little boy.  We love you to bits and pieces!

Love,
Mommy and Daddy