I have found a need to use the ever-popular monthly newsletter idea for my children here on out.  Why you ask?  Not to copy those super popular bloggers who have been doing it forever–but because I am getting old and with two kids (even with one–let’s be honest) I cannot remember for shit and I really want my children to have a record of their milestones and young life.  I would love to have a monthly account of my life as a child.  I feel bad for Minnow that his won’t start until he is 28 months old and Peepers will start at 9 months–but he is the first child and he has gotten more “The World Revolves Around Me” time than any of our other kids will get.  So he’ll just have to resolve this issue in therapy when he’s older and realizes I have published his entire life on the internet.  Also you will notice that I have changed their alias’.  I figured it was time. 

Dear Noah,

You just turned 28 months old and have not yet been a part of our family for two years (that milestone will happen later in August).  I am amazed at the changes that have occurred over this time and am so happy that you are my son.  I watch you change daily and am amazed at the transformation of you from young toddler to a near pre-schooler.  I don’t even want to think about you going to school. Wow.  You are growing up to fast. 

The biggest change this month has been the addition of your baby sister.  I have to admit your dad and I were slightly worried about how you would react to your baby sister.  We are so thrilled at your immediate and all encompassing love you have for her already.  She is the first person you ask about in the morning and if your can’t see her you often cry and want to see her now.  It is very cute.  You forget that she is a baby but you are polite enough to ask “Mommy, Woah (you can’t say the “n” sound yet) push Zoë.” And when I say no, you actually listen.  I love that about you, among so many other things.  You say please and thank you and bless you and sorry.  I am pretty sure you are one of the most polite toddlers I know and I have to pat myself on the back for that, as I worked really hard to teach you how to be kind and polite. 

Noah you are growing up so quick.  You have stopped calling Nemo–“Bobo” and I miss that so much.  He is now “Bemo” because you can’t make the “n” sound.  You are now obsessed with the movie Monsters, Inc and I am pretty sure that you will have it memorized soon.  You love cars and water, but hate to be dirty.  It is the end of the world for you if your hands have any dirt on them.  It is a challenge to keep you one step away from a breakdown–but I do pretty good. 

You are at the stage where you ask “What’s this?” about everything.  And I mean everything.  We spend, what feels like hours at the spice rack learning our spices.  Curry powder is your favorite currently, but I am sure that will soon change.  As it seems you are changing at the speed of light and each day brings something new. 

Your sense of fashion is suspect, but that’s okay because you refuse to dress or undress yourself in anyway shape or form.  Your are content to let me pick out everything and do all of the work.  That’s fine by me as I like that you still need me for important things.  I know that will change soon, so I am relishing my authority and importance. You now tell me that you love me and also are quick to let me know exactly what you want.  You are good at saying “No momma–this one” and it better be the right one. 

You are a performer Noah to the core.  You have never found an audience that you didn’t like and you are a great entertainer.  You are a showman and you know it.  It amazes me what a different little man you warp into when someone comes to the house or we go out.  You are in total showman mode and remind me of a method actor who is constantly playing the part they have been cast in.  You have been cast in the role of comic and you don’t hesitate to eat that role up.  I rue the day you start school, because as a teacher I know kids like you and your teachers will have their hands full and I have a feeling your dad and I will spend a great deal of time getting to know your teachers and trying to find a way keep you out of detention.  Don’t change though Noah.  The world needs people like you.  We need smiles and laughter. 

I have yet to find an effective way to punish you when you do happen to do something wrong.  I also struggle with punishing you for something that really isn’t anything I would consider a big deal.  I don’t mind minor tantrums–which you have when you are tired and hungry–which are often both my fault. 

I can’t wait to see you change and grow and become more and more of a little boy.  I look forward to having conversations with you and to hear what you have to say.  I know it is more than “What’s this” and “I wuv you mommom.”

Well, I love you too Noah.

Momma