Dear Shenzie and Heaten,

I swear, just the other day you were little lumps that made funny noises and cuddled me close. Not so much anymore…you are now perfect little people with HUGE personalities.

Heaten, you have started cuddling more with me and will lay your head on my shoulder when I sing you lullabies for naps and bedtime. It is so sweet and precious I hope I keep that memory forever. You also lay your head down on the floor while crawling around like you’re just too tired to hold it up. Must. Lay. Head. Down. Now. It is so sweet…almost like you are fake napping.

You are such a wonderfully emotional little boy. You smile constantly when you’re not fussing and crying. I love to “get you” and make you laugh…you laugh hysterically and then look over at me waiting for me to do it again. You are getting VERY hard to keep entertained. You go from one toy to the next in 3 seconds and I’m constantly running around trying to find things for you to play with. You somehow know when you’re not supposed to play with something and of course that is what you always make a beeline for. Outlets, cords, window blinds, mommy’s book, daddy’s guitar…you want them all!

You love to give me kisses and let me tell you, I will NEVER tire of your kisses. The other day at Grandma’s house Grandpa was holding you and you kept giving him kisses over and over and over until he got embarrassed with all the touchy feely. It was so funny. You love your cousins and laugh at them. You pretty much love any kids…in the stores you will stare and laugh at them. I can’t wait for you to play with other kids…you are definitely going to be my outgoing toddler while Shenzie will hang back and be more selective and picky with her friends.

For months now you have been putting your arm and hands over your ears. At first I thought you might have an ear infection or maybe teething. I finally realized this is a soothing technique. You do it when you’re tired, scared, or sad. You are getting so big, so fun, and are so perfect. I love you to bits little boy!

Shenzie, Oh my, where do I start. You are crazy…and I mean that is the most loving way. This month your temper has really taken off and my, oh my, it is fierce! You hit, scratch, bite, head butt, kick, push away, pull hair, and yell when you are frustrated, angry, scared, or upset. When I’m holding you trying to calm you down you buck and shake in my arms pushing my face away and scratching me. You will pinch my arm and push your head into me really hard. The tantrums are getting more and more frequent as your frustration grows because you really want to walk and do things on your own, but haven’t figured out how just yet. You are still so sweet though. You give me kisses and laugh so loudly when we’re playing.

You have really taken off this month. You try to mimic so many words and sounds. You are turning into a copy cat. I guess its time to stop using the F bomb around you. I would hate for that to be one of your first words. =) You are getting really good at crawling and cruising I’m just waiting for you to take those first unassisted steps.

You are still very people shy. It takes awhile for you to warm up to anyone other than me or dada. You are also VERY scared of noise. When we’re out walking if a loud truck or motorcycle goes by you cry. The vacuum, hair dryer, crying babies, and any other loud noise makes you cry. I’m hoping this is just a phase that you’ll grow out of because I hate to see you scared. I love you little crazy girl…you are just like me and trust me, I am VERY scared!!