Hello, Rhino!

You're 35 months old today — almost three!! You're just barely answering the "how old are you?" question correctly now and I wonder how long it will take you to learn a new answer.

It's been a busy month! You've had another Christmas and started a new year. Merry Christmas and Happy 2011! You loved Christmas so much and are still talking about Christmas lights, presents, and Santa. It was a ton of fun! You got so many great toys from our families and are enjoying playing with the new train table Daddy and I got you.

You've seen a lot of snow lately and think it's just the best thing! This past week we've seen more than 3 feet fall. We have gotten out to play in it a little and you really like to climb up on the mounds of snow, toss snowballs, and help Daddy shovel. I think the best part is coming inside and being warmed up by a "very yummy" mug of hot cocoa. Often when we go out driving somewhere you comment that everything is "so beautiful" or "so pretty" and really like the snow-covered trees. Winter is definitely a fun time with you!

You're playing more and more with Heron lately. You boys have silly dance parties, play preschool games on the iPad together, peek-a-boo through the pop-up tunnel, and chase each other around the living room giggling. I love it! You're having more fun with him now that he's not a baby and will laugh at you and copy you!

We've had a lot of fun this month at playgroups. It's nice for you to be around little people about your age. You get so riled up around other kids and run and scream and bounce off the walls just because you're with your friends! We've started going to a preschool playgroup where there is a lesson every week and so far you seem pretty interested. I think you're one of the younger ones in the group, but enjoy listening to the lessons and doing the activities (even if you don't answer all the questions correctly, at least you attempt an answer!)

You're getting very independent and sometimes a little pushy. You don't want me to help you with your shoes or zipping up your jacket and always declare "I can do it!" You can unbutton your shirt, but not button it up yet. You also like to lace boots and try to tie them, but you don't quite get it yet (it will be a while!) You want to brush your own teeth and make your own bed and sometimes pick up after yourself (you like to help if I'm cleaning but won't pick up your toys if I just tell you to!) You've started bossing Heron around, too. You'll tell him not to eat in the living room ("No! Eat in kitchen!") or yell at him to pick something up or stop banging or screaming ("Too loud!!") I know you think you're helping and it is cute, but sometimes you don't need to be a mini-parent right now! I do like that you appreciate rules and are upset when people break them (even if that's you sometimes.)

I know this past year has been named the "terrible twos" — and you've had your days! — but two has been a great age for you and I definitely wouldn't call it terrible! I shouldn't speak too soon though, you do have one more month left!

I love you lots, sweetie!

Love, Mommy