Dear Etrain

Dear Etrain,

Your toddler-hood is in full effect. Oh my. At 13 months old, it was starting. Well, now you're in it. Full force.

This past weekend your dad and I went to Toronto for NBA All-Star weekend (Dada's job let's us do cool stuff like that). Your Grandma and Grandpa North came over and watched you the first two days, then Nana and Papa Vigil watched you the second two. It was the longest time we had been away from you. We had a great time, but I missed you a bunch. Everyone reported in that you were wonderful and they enjoyed every minute with you.

Well, the day after we got back it was my birthday. Maybe you were mad we were gone for so long. Maybe you didn't like that Dada and I were back to lay down the rules. Or, the best theory, you are growing some hefty teeth - your dad says he feels molars coming in. Whatever it was, you did not have a good day. Happy birthday Mama. I wish I had recorded the tantrums because they were spectacular. My favorite was when you sat on your knees, bent over, laid your forehead on the ground and slapped the ground with your hands while screaming. I've reenacted it for several people already.

Needless to say, you've mastered the art of screaming. You also love to push your butt in the air while screaming as I'm trying to put you into your car seat. This morning I got you into the seat, then decided to lose your mind. I was slow at getting my phone out to record you so I only got the tail end. You eventually chilled out, we ran our errand and then went on a nice walk.


You're not always Mr. Cranky Pants though. Actually, I love that you are such a sweet, happy boy majority of the time. You're just so cool and fun to hang out with. What's been really exciting is watching how you're becoming more and more like a little person with thoughts and feelings. No more baby blob. You're starting to communicate with us and you seem to understand us as well. I love  to watch you grow.








Other things you've been doing this last month include:

1. -- Talking. You don't really say words (or you repeat one word over and over), but you love to talk. This morning I was changing your diaper and you were just yapping up a storm. It was the cutest thing. I wish I had a recording of it. 
2. -- Understanding things. The other day I asked you to get me the red ball. You crawled right over to it and brought it to me. I almost died it was so exciting. Now, that sort of stuff doesn't happen all the time, but when it does, it's great. You know processes like when we go upstairs to change your diaper, it usually means it's nap time. When I lay you down in my bed in the morning, you know that means it's time to brush your teeth (which you HATE by the way). After nap time we play in your room for a bit with the door closed, then I ask you "do you want to eat?" You then crawl over to the door as if you're ready to go downstairs. You don't always want to listen to me, but when I say "let's go" or "come here" you will crawl over. So cool!
3. -- Pointing. You point at everything. Usually because you want something. You'll point at the tree, light, or birds flying overhead because you like them (and you'll say "oooo"). You'll point at your milk when you're sitting in your highchair and you want something to drink. You'll point at the window, fan, or the "E" that lights up in your room because you want to see and touch them. 
4.  -- Dancing hands. There's one dance song I have on a playlist that started it all. We were listening to it and at a fun part in the song I put my arms in the air and waved them around doing a silly dance for you. Since then, anytime that song or a different one that you like comes on, you'll put both arms in the air and wave your hands around. Not only is it adorable, but I love that you're able to tell me when you like something. 
5.  -- Milk. This may seem silly, but I was really stressed when your pediatrician, Dr. Ball, told me you shouldn't drink formula anymore and that you had to drink milk. The reason I was stressed it because, to start, you hated milk. Wouldn't drink it. But in the last month you've come around. Same with cheese. It's just nice knowing you're not missing out on an entire food group. 
6. -- Food. You're actually a decent eater. It seems like your tastes change everyday - one day you like it, then next, not so much. That can be a bit tiring to keep up with, but for the most part you'll eat what I give you. The most exciting day was when you ate broccoli and hummus. Your dad won't touch the stuff, so it was awesome to capture you eating it and send the moment to him as proof. 

1. -- Playing on your own. Hallelujah. For the longest time someone always had to be in your play room with you. Always. You now have no problem spending time in there by yourself. Don't worry, it's not for a long time. And I have fun playing with you too. But it's just nice to be able to do things around the house, make breakfast, go to the bathroom, take a phone call, or whatever and not have you lose your mind. You're actually really cute when you play too. You used to just love to destroy - dump out, slap, flip, push, and just make general messes. You will often now just sit with one toy and play with it - explore it, put it on things, put things in/on it, etc. You have figured out how to throw too. Right now, it's super cute. Once something hits me in the head, or you improve your throwing skills, I'm sure I won't love it as much. 

1.  -- Second cold. This past month you got your second cold. When you were nine days old you got your first cold and it was the saddest thing. My poor little newborn with a snotty face. This time it wasn't so bad - except for the snot. Oh my, son. The snot. You'd sneeze and the gunk that would come out of your little nose was incredible. How can such a little human produce that much snot?

This month's photo shoot was interesting. You just don't want to sit still, and this time, getting you to smile and look at the camera was nearly impossible. You're still damn cute though. And can we talk about that hair.






You're such a cool kid, Ethan. I love you so much.

Love,
Mama