Memories (for Oliver)

You being 2 1/2 years old brings so many new things to the table each and every day. You are such an intelligent little kiddo, which, again, at this age brings a whole new bag of worms to face each day. Some days you out smart me 100% of the time, other days we tie 50/50. It's so hard for me to look at you and remember that you are only 2 1/2 yrs.

I have been filling photo albums with your first year photos the past couple of days and looking at all of these photos has brought back so many wonderful memories! Seeing your ornery grin when you were only 2 mos old, and remembering the thought that you were going to be a very ornery little boy and my hands were going to be full with you (so far so good). Looking at the pictures of you developing your hand-eye coordination, it's so fun to look back and see these photos of you when you were unable to sit on your own, then stand on your own, then walk on your own; and seeing your excited facial expressions when you accomplished these things.

These pictures made me both miss holding you in my arms, when you fit in my arms lengthwise, and look forward to a life full of great memories. You have been such an amazing kid. It's crazy to call you a kid; and I feel like you just grew up over night. Now, you put yourself to sleep, you potty on the potty, you drink out of "big boy cups," you play outside by yourself (not for long and of course mommy watching you every second through the window), you sing your "ABC's," you count to "eleven," you recite all of your books (a rather amazing feat as you have over 200 books), and you are the best big brother. You give Eli kisses, put his blanket on him if it falls, hand him his toys, sing to him, and lately, make him laugh. You help mommy bake with cracking the eggs, and you are better than me at this as you never get shells in the egg, you help me pick out presents/cards for others, and you can write the letter "O" -"like Oliver."

I just wanted you to know that although life is so super busy right now and you are growing up so fast; you are always my sweet baby Oliver. Thank you for these amazing memories and making me realize that life is so much sweeter with having you here.

Sleep tight my love, (hopefully all night).
I love you.