Camden - 4 + years

Camden -

It’s been a really, really, really long time since my last letter to you…1.5yrs – WAY TO LONG!  I am so sorry! Where did the time go? I’m going to squeeze everything in and promise to start writing you more often!
Where do I begin? I’m sitting here looking at you and am amazed how much you’ve grown and changed over the past year (and a half). You completed preschool in August, you are now in Pre-K with Ms. Grace and you love it! Anytime you meet someone new you tell them your age, your “grade” and you show them your shoes. Funny!

We recently celebrated your 4^th birthday (okay so it was 4 months ago). You had a “James” themed party this year. Why a James and not a simple Thomas the Train party? Because James is red like Lightening McQueen and since you had a Cars themed 3^rd birthday party you couldn’t have a Cars themed 4^th birthday. Not my choice – your choice. I offered and you said no.

You obviously still love trains and cars, but you’re slowly moving into the super hero phase. You were Spiderman for Halloween this year (adorable) and we just bought you Spiderman shoes. You are anxiously awaiting Christmas and your Christmas list is getting longer and longer. The cute thing is that you always say,  “and one for Ethan”.  I’m not sure if you’re saying this because you really want him to have one or if it’s because you don’t want to share yours J

Your Christmas list consists of a Jake and the Neverland Pirates bath toy, Cars 2 airplane, Batman Cave, a black racecar for Ethan, a fishing pole for Mommy, “Where the Wild Thing’s Are” book, more trains, cars, racetracks, ninja turtles and power rangers.

We’re starting some new traditions this Christmas and so far you are really enjoying them. First, we’re doing an advent calendar that’s full of fun family activities. Second, Buddy the Elf has come to visit.

You recently started a basketball class with your buddy, Andrew. You’re so excited about this class and have such a great jump shot already! Basketball has always been one of your favorite sports. Your daddy and I really enjoyed watching you at your first session. At one point, you wanted me to come out and help you. After about five minutes, you looked up and said “Can Daddy come back out and help me?”.  Guess you don’t like my coaching skills!

You’ve been fully potty trained for about a year now – Although we’re still working on the wiping thing…. You are so good about getting up in the middle of the night and going potty. Until about two months ago, you used to wake us up to tell us you had to go. We finally told you, you didn’t need permission and now you just go on your own...Nice!

I love hearing about your day and what you have learned. Most of the time when we ask you what you did at school you respond by saying, “I played”, but we’re typically able to pry some additional information from you over dinner.

You’re all boy – sports, cars, trains, wrestling, jumping, dirt etc. You have an adorable personality and you’re so full of love. You’re also an amazing big brother and I can tell that you care for your little brother even though you two fight most of the time! You always get a big grin on your face when he walks into your classroom and you always yell “Ethan” and show him off to your friends. At home, you two are still learning how to play together. Hopefully this improves as Ethan get older! 

Well big guy, you continue to amaze me every day. I love watching you learn and grow. Although some phases are more enjoyable than others, I would not trade any moments we spend together. I am looking forward to the Fabulous Fives though…Ha! Love you!

 

Love - Mommy

 

4 Year Old Interview:

Favorite Color – Red
Favorite Toy – Lightening McQueen
Favorite Show – Spiderman
Favorite Sport- Basketball
Favorite thing about your brother – Playing with him
Favorite Animal  at the Zoo – Monkey
Favorite Song  - Life is a Highway
Favorite thing to sleep with – Baby Monkey and lots of blankets
What do you want to be when you grow up – Basketball player
Favorite Book – Fly Guy – The football one.
Favorite Fruit – Blueberries
Favorite Holiday – Christmas
Favorite thing to do outside – Play with my race cars

Ethan - 19 months

Ethan –

Hey little guy! I can’t believe you’re 19 months old already!! You have changed so much since my last letter. First, you’ve mastered walking and have almost mastered running! You have a cute little run – I’m not sure you actually bend your knees, but it works. Stairs are no match for you. I always make you turn around and scoot down on your belly, but you prefer to walk down the stairs (which scares me). You’ve fallen down the stairs more times than I care to remember, but that hasn’t stopped you. You are very independent.  In fact, you hate holding hands and hate being carried. You would rather walk on your own.

You’ve started  cuddling more and more, which makes me happy! There’s actually been a couple of times where you’ve napped while I’ve sat in the rocking chair holding you. This never happened when you were a little baby! I love it!

You’ve been signing for some time, but now you’re actually starting to talk and you have the cutest little voice! So far you’ve said -ball (1^st word), Mama, Dada, thank you (so cute), more, cracker, apple, car, truck, yes and Elmo (all the time) and your two favorite words as of this week – NO and MINE! Oh the fun we are having!

As for interests – you love books, Elmo, blocks, cars, trucks, and trains. I love that you bring me books and want me to read to you.  Again, something I missed out on the first year - you never wanted me to read to you!

Your eating habits haven’t really improved since my last letter. You are picky – fruit (apples, oranges and berries), hotdogs, plain crackers and milk…Oh and ketchupJ. Those are the only things you will eat consistently. You’ll eat pizza about 90% of the time and chicken nuggets maybe 50% of the time. Please, please, please start eating. You’re stressing me out and you’re cranky when you’re hungry.

You are a daddy’s boy most of the time, but you do have your mommy moments! As far as your personality, I’ve always said you are more like me. You want what you want when you want it. You’re high strung most of the time and relaxed only some of the time. You’re OCD about some things, like closing doors and shutting draws ( I can’t even unload the dishwasher around you). You’re a morning person like I am – although, please know, it is OKAY to sleep in on the weekends! You do not need to wake up between 6-6:30am on Saturdays or Sundays- 7am is early enough! You are an adorable little guys and I love you and your brother more that you will ever know.

Love,

Mommy