Dear Nick

Dear Nick,
Well, the calendar tells me you are a few days short of being 2 1/2. Really? So much has happened since your arrival. Actually, it all started happening the second God graced us with the knowledge of your existence. Nothing can change a life like the miracle of a new heartbeat. There are so many little moments happening right now that I want to remember, but I am old enough to know that unless I write them down, I may likely forget. Or, as my mom would say, they'll get buried in a sock drawer in my mind...only to be brought out when something makes me open up that drawer. So just in case these memories get buried too far back in the process of living, I thought I'd write down some of my favorite...and maybe not so favorite memories in making happening now. Trust me, you'll thank me. Later. Likely much later.

You are a sweet, sweet boy. Last week when Tia Nikki, was visiting you noticed she had a band-aid on her toe. Without prompting, you announced... "Tia hurt!" Then bent down and kissed her toe.
You love you some Mickey Mouse. You used to love The Wiggles. But, without warning, you apparently broke up with them. Strangely, I miss hearing "Fruit salad, yummy yummy" 82 times a day. Now, we are more into..."If you have ears, say CHEERS" and, Tia Nikki's favorite..."Hot dog dance..hot diggity dog!". In homage though, your downstairs play lounge is still called "The Wiggles Room". All your buddies in the hood know it by this name too.
You still love your music. Now we have a repertoire of songs that you like to sing that include..."Twinkle Twinkle Little Star", "ABCs", "Alligator Pie" and "Jesus loves me". By the way, everytime you see a star you shout "twinkle twinkle"!!
Speaking of music...your current pop favorites are Lady Gaga's "Poker Face", anything by the Black Eyed Peas and "Chicken Fried". Some moms may not enjoy having a toddler get in the car and plead "Mas poker face, Peasssssssss". Good thing you got me, kiddo.
Lately, instead of saying "NO" you've chosen to say "note". Ok. Whatev.
I love that you talk about Titi and Papa like you just saw them last Tuesday. Even though it's been almost 5 or 6 months. Love is funny.
You and your Daddy have a special relationship. You love the new bike seat. Last week you and Daddy went on a bike ride and you watched your first baseball game! By the way, your Daddy is madly in love with you. One day you'll understand how hard he works so that we can have Tuesday mornings at the Zoo.
You love your buddies. Weston and Sarah are your favorite big kids. Aunt Toni and Uncle Wes took you to your first hockey game. Get ready to love some ice, kiddo. Daddy and Uncle Wes have big plans for you and Weston. And we haven't even talked golf yet.
You love your books. You insist on sleeping with a bajillion books in your crib. (Yes, you are still in a crib. Leave it alone.) In the morning, I can hear you "reading" books to your plastic bugs, woobie and stuffed animals. It amazes me you FIT in the crib with all the extras. The book thing makes my heart sing. Your mama loves her a book!
Woobie and di-di, your pacifier are still two of your besties. Sure, we should start the break-up process. But here's the thing kid, I may never spoil you with tons of toys. I will always insist on manners and I will not allow cruelty. But comfort and joy....bueno, mi amor, if these two items still bring that to you, then they are yours. Because when I sneak into your room and see you peacefully sleeping, amid the books, the rubber bugs and snakes, the stuffed animals, clinging to your woobie and happily half-sucking on your di-di....that my sweetness, brings me a comfort and joy that I pray each day you will someday know.
And to think, that's just been the first 2 1/2 years....
Te adoro mi querido,
Your mama