Check-up and Checking in with Van at 26 months

I can't believe Van's two year old check-up was two months ago!!! As usual, he had a great and very quick well visit. He weighed 36 pounds, was 37" long and his head circumference was still in the 50th percentile. And the best part of this visit - NO shots!!! I know they are a necessary evil but it hurts like nothing I can describe to see your child in that kind of pain. It's something about the way they look at you, like, mommy, how come you are letting this lady stick me?? And since I am not a fan of any type of needle (who is really???) this was an especially nice visit.

We took Van's height at two, doubled it and estimate that he will be about 6'1" when he is finished growing!!! I don't want to think of the day as this is already happening way too fast for my liking.

Some sweet things I want to remember about you Van:

* you don't really like watching tv but you LOVE movies, your favorites are Beast (Beauty and the Beast), movie Choo-Choo (The Polar Express) and Race cars (Cars 1)

*you just started saying i love you mummy totally unprompted and it is music to my ears

*you are ALWAYS talking, not that we ALWAYS understand you but after a few guesses we usually figure out what you are trying to tell us

*my favorite words you say: o-tay mummy, peace out, in a singsong voice "nooooobooody hoooooome (e*trade commercial baby sings Nobody Knows)

*you are extremely shy around new people or even friends/family you don't see often

*around those you see often you are silly and sweet, you love to make us laugh and boy do you have A LOT of energy

*crawling into mummy/daddy's bed (said just like, all one word) is a morning time routine and it's the best start to my day, snuggling with both my sweet boys

*your favorite drink is strawberry milk

*you are not a big eater. you eat like a bird but i am happy if you get just one good bite out of each meal

*when asked what you want to eat you either say, noo-noos (noodles), pizza or hawt dog but you will eat lots of fruit and veggies if that is what is being served

*i still believe you survive on a diet of milk and fruit snacks, you're probably going to turn into a fruit snack!

*you have two loveys, Bobby (your blanket) and now Moby (your puppy Nana got you at Build-a-Bear)

*you are a wonderful helper, always wanting to carry in the groceries, take out the trash/recycling, vacuum, do laundry, feed the puppies

*saying peas (please) and tank you (thank you) comes so naturally for you and is almost rarely prompted

Van,

I just want to say that you are a genuinely good little boy. You make your dad and me happier than you will ever know and you fill our home with such joy and lots of laughter. We will always love and support you no matter what may come. We will always be proud of the little man you are becoming. My heart swells to think of how much all these feelings will grow when we welcome your little sister/brother into our family. We know you will be the best big brother and we look forward to seeing how you take on your new role. Thank you for being you and as always we thank God for bringing you into our lives.

We love you to the moon and back Peanut.

Forever and All Ways,

mummy & daddy