Happy 3rd birthday Finn! I'm only a month (or so) late posting this birthday message, so I'm feeling pretty good about it. Once again, time flies when you are having fun and I found that I had to go back through all of my pictures to even remember what happened this year. What a fun year this has been, for all of us. I guess I can say that it has been a rather uneventful year for our family (not you, of course), mainly because we didn't move. We were able to settle in and enjoy our lives here in DC and enjoy our time with each other.
We took several trips this year--to Miami to visit my grandmother Jerry for her 90th birthday; several trips to Sumter to visit your grandparents, including a "snowcation" to escape snowmageddon in DC (nearly 30 inches of snow fell in February); a few trips to Alabama to visit the Young's; the "Bahamas" which actually turned out to be Myrtle Beach, SC due to a mishap involving mom's expired passport; to Charleston a couple of times and probably a few other places scattered in between. You have become such an expert traveller, with iPad and snacks in hand, you are ready to roll.
This year, a love of fire trucks and all things fire truck-related was born. I'm not exactly sure when it happened exactly, but all of a sudden you were in love with them. We acquired more fire truck paraphernalia than should be allowed, we visited more fire stations (in every city, too), sat on more fire trucks, and put out more imaginary fires than I care to remember. Many days, you dressed as a fire man, for the day. Running errands, going to the gym, the grocery store, or going bowling, it didn't matter, with a plastic fire hat planted firmly on your head and often a fireman's jacket swallowing you whole, off we went to save the world from dangerous fires. So, it came as no surprise that you dressed as a fireman for Halloween and had a fire truck themed birthday party.
With each passing day you became more adventurous and more independent, insisting on doing everything for yourself. You are fearless on the playground--climbing, jumping, swinging, leaping, falling on anything you please. You love the water, all water, whether it be the creek, lake, ocean, swimming pool, water park, or a random public fountain in the middle of the city. Rest assured that swimming lessons are in your near future. You learned to ride a tricycle and a scooter, although you prefer running because it gets you there much faster. You started taking gymnastics which gave you a big boost of confidence and improved your motor skills, which came in handy when trying to navigate that pesky climbing wall at the playground. I can't believe how much you have grown and changed physically--you are taller and leaner and have lost your baby look. Oh, but your smile. That is one thing that hasn't changed. It can light up a room and brighten your mama's day. I will never tire of seeing you smile or hearing your laugh.
As far as milestones go, it's mostly a blur. I remember some of the big ones: you learned your ABC's, counting, going up and down stairs without assistance, you can spell your name (and mine), you can work an iPad better than Steve Jobs himself (but somehow I don't think that is on the AAP's list of things to learn for a 2-year old), and you moved from a baby crib to a big boy bed. That was a big one. I will never forget on May 11 (my birthday) you woke up around midnight and decided that you would not be sleeping in your crib. Ever. Again. Period. Something about a bad dream and a vacuum? We couldn't really figure it out, but you weren't going back in. Ever. So, you spent a couple of months sleeping on the floor before finally working your way into a twin bed. I was prepared for many bumps and sleepless nights, but you handled it like a champ.
I guess one of the biggest changes has been your vocabulary. Good grief, Charlie Brown. I sometimes have to remind myself that you aren't an adult and I can't talk to you like one. In the beginning of 2010 you still had your sweet high pitched little baby voice and I had to translate 90% of what you said. By the end of 2010, you speak at warp speed, can recite many books and can hold your own in any conversation. Most of the time, no one gets a word in edgewise. I love your questions, your curiosity, your need to know, but mostly your explanations for why things are the way that they are.
This year was full of many "firsts" for you. Most significantly, your first day of preschool, which was harder on me than it was on you, although the first few days were hard for you. But after a week or so, you ran into the room and never looked back. You have wonderful teachers, Ms. Barbara and Ms. Jennifer, and a great class of boys and girls. I'm so proud of everything you have done, from all of your beautiful artwork that I will treasure forever to learning how to stand in line, take turns and follow directions (occasionally). Some of your other "firsts" include: first trip to a movie theatre (Toy Story 3) where you sat mesmerized and quiet throughout the entire movie; ice skating (not a fan), bowling, roller coaster ride (BIG fan), putt-putt golf, and probably many more that I'm forgetting. You'll notice that food isn't mentioned pretty much anywhere in the post. That's because you refuse to try new foods. Chicken nuggets and grilled cheese, thank you very much. Your dad and I have chosen the path of least resistance . . . for now. But rest assured, you will eat a hot dog, pizza and mac and cheese before you go to college.
Finn, I'm sure I have only scratched the surface of your second year. All I can say is that it is pure joy to be your mom. I treasure every moment I spend with you . . . even the moments when you are pitching a fit (because they are really funny). My favorite time of day is at night when we cuddle up in bed to read stories and sing songs. I hope that you will always know how much you are loved and treasured and that you will retain your unbridled enthusiasm for the little things in life.
Love,
Mama
PS. Here is a slideshow of your 2nd year. There was way too much to include, so I tried to capture some of the highlights. Turn up the volume to hear two of your very favorite songs this year.
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