Dear Neil (2 1/2 years),
You are two and a half years old now and you are such a toddler! You are climbing and jumping over everything. Everything is funny to you and everything is "no" or "oui"! You are talking more and more every day, which is such a relief and a pleasure. It's so cute to see you discover new words and some of the things you say are hilarious You are our little french boy too, which is so funny. Half the time I can't tell if you're speaking french or english, which makes it difficult to understand you and which frustrates you immensely, but when we do understand you it's so great to see your face light up in joy.
Your favourite sentence lately is, "un autre barn la" (another barn there)! Every time we go for a drive in the country and you see all the farms you say "un autre barn la". It's so cute how you say "barn" instead of "grange", so you're really "frenglish".
You continue to love daycare, which makes us so happy. Sabrina is going such a great job with you and it's clear that you're learning and developing and growing so well. You spend lots of time outside this winter, and it's so great to see how much fun you're having in the snow this year. You can actually go sledding and climbing and build snowmen. And you love it so much!
You love the barn with a passion, but you're still scared of the calves, which I find so funny. The big cows don't scare you, but the babies do. Strange! But every day you ask to go to the barn, which makes daddy very happy :) You love tractors and trucks and I know daddy can't wait for you to grow a little older so he can teach you how to drive them.
But gosh so much has happened in the last 6 months! You went to New Hampshire and went swimming in the lake. You swam so much this summer and loved it! I think you're part fish. You went to Santa's Village and met all santa's little elves. You went to Cayo Coco Cuba in November with your best buds Noah and Zack (and John and Jojo) and had a wonderful time. The plane ride down was difficult, but the return trip was great. You celebrated Christmas in style, and it was so great to see you really enjoy Christmas this year. Opening presents was such a thrill because you were so excited for every gift. You were spoiled once again this year :)
You had your first real "accident" when one of the other kids at daycare pushed you into the bench. Your forehead split open and you got a nasty gash. Fortunately Sabrina knew exactly what to do, and you didn't need stitches. You recovered quickly, but hopefully you don't end up with too big a scar.
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You've become such a sociable little kid these past few months too. You're open to meeting new people and it doesn't take long for you to be talking and laughing with them. You love to give kisses and hugs, which is so nice too because for the longest time you weren't very quick at giving affection.
And so, dear Neil, I can't wait to see how you grow over the next 6 months. It's going to be an interesting time for all of us, with baby coming in the next month or two. I know it will be hard at first to share your mom and dad with someone else, but I'm sure you will love and protect your little brother and I know you're going to be a great big brother.
Until next time, little man.
xoxo
July 2 ,2012 (23 months)
Dear Neil,
So it's been a few months since my last letter. My apologies for that. So much has happened between April and now, and yet it's as if nothing's changed at all. Is that possible?
The warm weather is finally here and you are loving it! You love swimming and playing outside and getting dirty. You experimented with many puddles this spring, getting good and soaked each time. It was so much fun watching you giggle and laugh as you stomped your rain boots in the puddles. Eventually you would reach down to touch the water with your hands, inevitably falling on your rear end. But even then you wouldn't want to get out of the puddle.
May started out rough for us. It was grandma's celebration of life event on May 5th. You came to Montreal and everyone was so thrilled to meet you. You were an angel, but it was quite overwhelming for you, I'm sure.
One fun part was playing in the same park that mommy played in when she was a little girl. The playground is much fancier now, but a park is a park and all kids know how to have fun at one. It was a great moment, rather surreal really, walking you to the park that I used to walk to every day. Life really does come full circle. Grandma's sister (your great-aunt) Wendy joined us one day. I'm glad you were able to spend that time with her, even if you won't remember it.
Spring 2012 is also the time you learned the word "no". And it's your favourite word! You are certainly stating your independence, piglet. Everything is on your terms, when you want to do it. You've decided you no longer like baths (huh?!), you no longer like any of the foods you used to love, and you no longer like going to bed. Fortunately, you still love cows and going to the barn. Except that's all you ever want to do as every time we drive somewhere and pass a barn, you say "moo? moo?".
Your words are starting to come, slowly but surely. Half the time I can't understand you and the other half the time I think you're speaking french, but you're beginning to say more and more words. Moo still being your favourite.
Yes, you're definitely vocal, that's for sure. You speak to us in your "language" expecting us to understand. I'm sure it's frustrating for you when we don't understand what you're trying to tell us. I apologize for that Neil.
July 1st was an exciting day as you rode in your very first Canada Day parade! The theme was "then and now" and you road on a miniature tractor on the float of items depicting then and now. I think you were a little overwhelmed with it all, but you were a champion.
Next month you'll be 2 years old! How time flies. Thinking back to this time last year, I'm amazed and how much you've grown over the past year, and also how much I've grown as a mother. I no longer totally freak out about everything you eat. I'm calmer, more assured and confident. I still get scared now and then, but as you gain confidence, so do I.
Till next time,
love
Mommy and daddy
March 31, 2012 - 20 months
Dear Neil,
March was the month the sickness fairy came to visit. You and I were sick almost the whole month, it seems! You had an ear infection and bronchitis at the end of February. That cleared up and then 2 weeks later you were sick again with another ear infection. Poor piglet! This was also the first time you were sick and you were up all night one night. That was hard to take - to hear you in pain, uncomfortable, and knowing there was nothing I could do to make you feel better. Fortunately by the end of March you were back to your normal happy self.
Because of all the sickness, March was a pretty quiet month. We did have some fabulous weather one week, however, so we really took advantage of that. For a whole week it ranged from 20-25 degrees! You LOVED being outside and playing. You played in puddles for the first time, you learned how to climb your little slide and slide down it. You ate outside at daycare and you walked from our house to grandmas in your t-shirt and sandals. I can tell it's going to be a fun summer!
You loved eating at Friendly's! You especially loved your dessert, lol!
You are starting to say a few words, finally: moo (your favourite), fini, banana (that one's new), dog, mama. And you understand what we're saying really well.
You also love to run around the house naked! I think that's your favourite time of day - after bath time. You're so excited to be pat down with the towel so you can run around naked. You giggle so much because it's so fun to be free. It'll be fun this summer when you can be naked in your little pool and run around outside naked. hee hee
You've started to play tag, and love being chased. You get a kick out of it. You also want to play chase with Schooner, but he doesn't seem to interested in you. I think that frustrates you a little, or maybe it just frustrates Schooner. You chase him, he runs away, you go up to him, he gets up and walks in the other direction. I can tell you just want to play with him, so I'm sorry he's not a younger dog. Perhaps when you're older we'll get you a dog you can take care of and play with.
Piglet, your personality and amazing smile and love makes me so happy. I love that you are starting to give me hugs and kisses. Keep that up okay?
xoxo
Mum and dad
March 10, 2012 (19 months)
Okay, so I'm late this month. Sorry buddy! February was another eventful month, that's to be sure. Of course you got sick again and this was the worst one yet. You got 2 ear infections and bronchitis. No fun. Poor pumpkin you were stuffed up and coughing and you had to go back on antibiotics and use a puffer. It was not a fun 10 days. I hate to see you sick, and suffering, but I selfishly enjoy the moments when you just want to lie in my arms and rest. It's the only time you want to be cuddled, so I really take advantage of those moments.
Other than that it's been a pretty good month. You continue to flourish at daycare. You are now sliding down the "mountain" all on your own. To be honest I was a little shocked and slightly nervous the first time I saw you do this, but the joy and excitement on your face certainly made up for it.
You are just a walking machine! What a difference 2 months makes. You run around the house now; you walk from the house to the garage; you walk down the road to grandma's. I'll tell you, it's so much easier now that you take yourself from point A to point me.
As each month passes you continue to state your independence and you see what you can get away with. You don't always come when I ask you to and you have fun running away from me when it's time to get dressed! Your infectious laughter makes it hard to get mad at you though, and I have a hard time keeping myself from laughing when you do that.
You love being naked! After you bath you love running throughout the house, bare-bottomed, with a big grin on your face. It's adorable. You also know exactly when you are ready for bed. You'll be playing in the living room with your pj's on and then all of a sudden you'll get up, walk to the hallway and straight into your room. you'll pull your blue bunny blankie off the side of your crib, stick your thumb in your mouth and lift your arms up to be put to bed. I kiss you goodnight and you are asleep in minutes. Bed time is so stress-free with you. I am so blessed.
I'm getting a little tired of winter, and I think you are too, so it will be nice when we don't have to wear snow suits every morning and when going outside is just a matter of opening the front door. Spring has never looked so enticing as it does now that you are in our lives. Still we try to make the most of it. You've been on a few skidoo rides and even helped daddy plow the driveways after a big snow storm.
You no longer love to be in your stroller. That's a not so welcomed development! No more shopping for Neil and mommy! We went to the mall on my birthday. You were good for the first 20 minutes after which nothing would make you happy. And you were fed, napped and changed. You just wanted to explore; not watch mommy try on shoes. I can't imaging why. lol!
Next month is your 18 month (corrected age) check up with Dr. Belanger. We'll get to see what she thinks about all these ear infections you've been having and whether it's having an impact on your speech and hearing. We'll see :)
It's nice to see you really understanding what we tell you now. When we say, "go get your boots", or "shut the cupboard", you understand and do what we ask you to. It's so great to see!
Piglet, you continue to amaze me, and I continue to be amazed at how happy you make me and how happy I am being a mom. Keep smiling that beautiful smile of yours.
xoxo
Mommy and daddy
January 28, 2012,
Daring Neil (18 months),
Okay, so technically you're not 18 months until Tuesday, but I know I'm going to be too busy this week to write to you, so I'm taking this opportunity now.
You started walking this month!!! On Tuesday, January 10th, to be exact. It was such a wonderful, happy, heartfelt moment. We had been waiting for this moment for months and months. Each week, and month, we were sure this would be it. But no, we had to wait until you were ready.
It was Tuesday evening. Sabrina, at daycare, had given us pictures from your Christmas party. Daddy was showing you the pictures. He was sitting on the couch. You were standing with one hand on the coffee table, about 2 feet away from him. Then you took 4 steps towards him. We both looked at each other in amazement. So daddy got up and stood on the other side of the room and showed you the pictures again. And you walked across the room to him!!! It was so wonderful! Dennis and I looked both reacted in such excitement, clapping and applauding you so rediculously. And then, wouldn't you know it, you walked around the entire house! From the living room, to the kitchen, past the dining room, through the hallway and back to the living room again. It was such an amazing moment.
I started laughing and smiling. I was so happy. And then I started crying because all I wanted to do was call your grandma and share this moment with her. She would have been so happy too. And I know she was watching you from heaven and she was praising you from above.
Since that moment it's been non-stop for you. It's hard to believe you've only been walking for 2 1/2 weeks because you are on your feet all day. Your friends at daycare have so much fun with you, too. Sabrina says they play games with you, seeing who you'll walk towards. You've also gotten more comfortable walking in boots, which is so great considering we're in the height of winter. In fact tonight you walked all through the barn.
Sabrina also thinks you're starting to say words at daycare. After lunch you lift your glass and say "nini". The rest of your friends say "fini" (finished, in french), and she's sure you're doing the same thing. This makes us very happy too because we can't understand a "word" you say at home :)
You're also starting to make the most interesting expressions. Your personality is really shining through. It's very obvious when you're not happy, when you don't get what you want, when you're just "pretending" to be upset. And it's also obvious when you're happy. You have such a great laugh, and it's so easy to make you laugh. It's so wonderful that you're such a happy, go-lucky kid.
So, darling Neil, until next month. What news will we have to share then?
Kisses and stars and hugs.
Mummy and daddy
January 1, 2012
Dear Neil (17 months),
I'm sorry I didn't write to you last month, but your wonderful, amazing, loving grandmother passed away. She's going to miss you so much. Oh how she wanted to see you grow up. She used to joke that she wanted to see you turn 20, which would have made her 95! But alas, she didn't make it.
The last 2 months have been overwhelming. You went to Montego Bay, Jamaica with mom and dad and had the most amazing time! You weren't stressed at all about the vacation, but mommy was a little :) Luckily we had John and Jojo, and Don and Sue to help us out. Oh how you loved the pool. We swam every day, twice a day, sometimes 3 times a day! You didn't seem to like the ocean that much, which is strange, since you were enamored with it in August. So, we spent most of our time in the pool. And you ate watermelon for the first time, and "momma Jojo" let you eat the slice all by yourself. In fact, mom learned to chill out regarding your eating during this trip. You also loved the morning smoothies, you ate french fries for the first time, and you loved ice cream (or course!).
Christmas was a subdued time, but you enjoyed yourself. And boy were you spoiled! It seemed like everyone we knew got you a present. We were hoping your Christmas present to us would be to start walking, but it's just not happening yet. You're so close, and we know you can do it, you're just lacking confidence or something. But we're not too worried. You are a preemie after all, so you've got a few months to go. And soon enough you'll be running all over the place and we won't be able to catch you :)
You make the funniest expressions sometimes, and I see you discovering new things in the world around you every day. This past week you were home each day (daycare was closed), so we got to spend a lot of time with you. We went for walks, we played, we shopped, we visited people, and through it all I amazed by your good nature. Sure you get frustrated sometimes, but overall you are such a good natured, warm hearted happy boy.
You love music. You love to dance around and clap your hands. You love playing with blocks and shapes and putting the shapes back in the "cookie jar". And every couple of days I see you learning a new shape. You can almost get them all through their respective slots!
You're climbing everywhere. This last week you learned how to climb onto the chair, and most times you can make it onto the couch. This excites you because it gives you a different perspective. You climb the stairs really quickly, but you haven't quite mastered how to climb back down! We're working on that.
Through it all you've kept our spirits high, and helped us be thankful for what we do have. My heart aches that you'll never know your grandmother, but know that she loved you so much. She was so amazed by you and would do anything for you.
Till next month.
love
Mom and dad
November 4, 2011
Dear Neil (15 months),
October was a busy month! It seemed we traveled somewhere each week. We went to grandma and grandpa's cottage where you, grandpa and I went for a hike to see the beautiful fall colours. We went for a walk with your girlfriends at the Johnville Bog. We went to Cornwall to visit Frank and Janie, and we went shopping in North Conway.
You're so close to walking! You stand on your own easily now and I can tell you want to walk, you just don't quite have the confidence to take those first steps yet. But you walk easily when we hold your hands, and even quite well when we're holding just one hand.
Your personality is shining through more and more now, too. You don't like to stay seated at restaurants too long anymore. The last few times we've been to a restaurant you're gotten frustrated and fussy. Looks like we'll be staying home more now. But now you're started feeding yourself with your own spoon. And god forbid I should try to feed you myself! No, no! You need the spoon in your own hand so you can feed yourself directly. Makes for some very messy mealtimes, but it's so wonderful to see you stating your independence already.
We're still waiting for that first word. There was one day when you were in your playpen and you wanted to get out. You put your hands out and said "mama. mama". It was clear and distinct and I was so happy! But since then you've just been talking in your own language. It will come soon, I'm sure.
And of course October is the month of Halloween! You were so cute in your leopard costume. You wore it to daycare and you wore it trick or treating at grandma's. You are still too young to trick or treat around the neighborhood. Maybe in another year or two.
Speaking of daycare, you are absolutely loving it there! You are so happy to see your friends each morning and when I come to pick you up in the evening you don't want to leave. Sabrina is so great with you, and all the kids, and it's great to see you mimicking what some of the older kids are doing. It's obviously having a great affect on you, so I'm so happy we found her.
All in all it's been an eventful, exciting month for you, and for us! Can't wait to see what November has in store. Perhaps this time next month we'll be writing about your first steps?
Much love,
Mom and dad
September 30, 2011
Dear Neil,
Today is your 12 month "corrected" age birthday. You were due one year ago today. But, I guess you just wanted to join our world so quickly since you were actually born on July 31, 2010. It's been quite a roller coaster of a year, but I'm pleased to say you've come out on top and are moving forward into your toddler years.
You've been at daycare now for a month and a half and boy do you just love it! The other day, in fact, I was hugging you goodbye and you put your arms out for Sabrina to take you. Who needs mummy when you have Sabrina, right?! You are learning so many new things at daycare: walking with the walker; painting; dancing; playing in the sandbox; sliding down the mini slide; eating new foods; French! We can tell that you are really enjoying yourself there, which makes mummy and daddy very happy.
You had your 12 month corrected age check up this week and things are pretty much on track. You are in the 50th percentile for your weight and head circumference, and the 75th percentile for your height. Your gross and fine motor skills are right on track and your language is slightly behind. You haven't said your first word yet, but we can tell you really want to! Best of all we get to stop giving you your iron and Trivisol daily, and you get to start drinking real cow's milk! Even your doctor seemed okay with the idea of you drinking it straight from the farm.
This month you went apple picking - twice; saw your aunt Debby from Ontario; hung with grandma and grandpa Mysak a few times; and went for many, many walks to daycare and back.
You also took your first steps! Granted they were very quick, 3 small steps between daddy and me, but you took them nonetheless. Maybe by the end of next month you'll have taken many more.
Neil, you're growing strong and fast and we are loving every moment of it. You always have a smile on your face and are a true pleasure to be around.
'Till next month.
love mummy and daddy.
_____________________________________________________
A friend of mine writes a letter to her son each month. I love this idea and love how she captures moments of the past month so beautifully that I decided to do the same thing. We are nearing the end of September, and Neil's 1 yr corrected age is September 30th, so I will start then.
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