Two

My sweet boy Ryan, you are two years old now!

This past year we have seen you grow into a determined, stubborn, and adorably sweet big boy. In fact, you have been acting like a two-year-old for quite some time now. Tantrums occur, but generally pass quickly. You love yelling "No" and "Mine" and have a hard time sharing. Yet at the same time, I am beginning to see a really nurturing side to you. It bothers you to see other people sad. If you witness another child fall down or cry, you will often go over and give them a hug and a kiss. My favorite moments during the day are when you wrap your arms around me for a hug.

I often find myself looking at you, wondering what your personality will be like when you grow up. You have always had a shy side, taking your sweet time to warm up to new people (and even people you know well!). But lately you seem to have come out of your shell a little bit, giving others a glimpse of the silly boy that I know so well. You strut around with such confidence at times. You swing you arms like you know where you are going, and nothing is going to slow you down.

And nothing does slow you down! You are on the go all day long. Getting in to things, making messes, climbing on furniture, running up and down the block....you are happiest when you are doing something physical, preferably outdoors.

You fit the stereotype of a little boy in so many ways. You don't play with toys much, but you do love your little cars. You zoom them along the windowsills and push them off of tables. You stop and say "whoa" when a loud car drives by, and of course you love playing in the garage with Daddy. Getting dirty or falling down doesn't phase you one bit.

You are slowly becoming more verbal. You do not say very many real words, but you have developed your own versions of words that only Daddy and I completely understand. It is so fun to have mini conversations with you, and I can't wait to talk to you more as your language skills develop.

Your eating habits have finally gotten better this past month. Your favorite foods at the moment are goldfish, ground meat, smoothies and peanut butter, although your tastes seem to change day by day. You have started trying small bites of new foods, which is huge progress for you! You recently ate broccoli and watermelon for the first time. It only happened once, but I was so proud of you.

Sleeping still isn't your strong suit. You resist going to bed at night until Mommy and Daddy just want to give up on ever getting you to sleep. You usually fall asleep around 9:30 and end up in our bed every single night before midnight. I can't remember the last time you slept more than 3 hours straight in your own bed. Naps still only occur if you are driven around in the car. You have a really hard time settling down and just relaxing. You are an early riser, always up by around 7am at the latest.

Being your Mom is such a blessing. Challenging at times, yes. Frustrating and confusing, yes! But worth it. Being able to stay home with you and watch you grow and develop into a big boy is such a rewarding experience. I know you will be a great big brother and I am so blessed to have you as my first son. Happy Birthday my big 2-year old. I love you!