"Baby" Matthew is 2!

Matthew,

You are 2!  In every sense of the word.  Your favorite words are "NO!" and "MINE".  You refer to yourself as a "Big kid" and prefer to avoid the high chair and stroller whenever possible.  Every morning, as we put coats on to prepare for school, you say "I walk!  I walk!  I walk?", with a look that says "Pleeeeease don't put me in that stroller."  Your language is on par with your very verbal sisters.

You like to keep track of the family: "My daddy at work, Baby night night, Charlotte school, Cailin school."  You love being one of many children.  You know no other but I'm confident you enjoy being surrounded by your siblings.  You try your hardest to keep up with the girls (and when you can't, you set out to ruin their activity).  As Baby is now getting older, you guys are starting to play together too.  Your favorite toy is currently the train sets.  You set up the tracks (with help), turn on the motorized train, put your thumb in your mouth and watch the train circle the track.  

You love to eat.  Almost as much as you enjoy milk.  You still drink soy milk and we avoid dairy due to the allergy but you manage to steal some mac n cheese any time the girls happen to have some.  Your favorite foods include oatmeal, hot dogs, oranges and spaghetti.  You hate chocolate.  You will bite into an m&m and spit it out as though someone just tried to poison you.  

You keep up with the big kids and (only because I'm now reflecting, I realize), you don't have many friends your age (due to lack of exposure...and being 2).  You are tough and should you happen to fall, you dust yourself off and charge on.  You do well in all childcare settings whether sorted by age or in a mixed group.  You adore the kids across the street and have no need for extra toddler friends since you can "play" basketball with a big 7 year old.  

You are the product of 2 big sisters.  You have a favorite tutu.  You like lip gloss.  You can name the Disney princesses.  When Charlotte asked, "Do you want to have an Olaf birthday?" you replied "No, I want a Cinderella birthday."  I hope you are also sensitive and empathetic in the future, as a result of these little ladies' influence.  

You suck your thumb all day long.  You are a snuggler.  You climb into my lap, lay your head on my shoulder and put your thumb in your mouth.  It's the sweetest.  You love to read stories on laps.  One of my favorite phrases to hear is "Read another one, Charlotte?" as you sit with your big sister.  Your current favorite book is a lift-the-flap Truck book from your sweet (age-appropriate) friend Collette.  

You share a room with Baby.  You look for him before and after sleeps and you bring him his blankee when you get yours.  You are blissfully unaware that he may not be a part of our forever family.  I pray I don't have to figure out how you'll react if he's not.  The thought of that just wrecks me.  You were bumped from the "baby" role very early in your little life and you have embraced that with surprising grace and ease.  Thank you for loving Baby and welcoming him the way you have.  

We love you little Buddy.  Even when you bite or knock over our towers or throw your food on the floor (because Baby suggested that might be a good idea).  Happy 2nd Birthday!

All the love,

Mama