Behind

I seem to have fallen significantly behind here and there isn't much I can say for myself. Your father and I are having one of the most stressful times of our lives right now and in that case we both withdraw a bit. You on the other hand are blossoming with knowledge, imagination, personality and cheer. It's joy to be around you.

There is so much to say, I am going to try to break it down month by month:

Aug: We said goodbye to your beloved brother after a trip to Kentucky to Tootsie's House. You and Brother and Grandma hit the fountains at the courthouse much to your delight.

Sept: The highlight was your birthday! We had a John Deere extravaganza. Party Hats, chocolate candy tractors on green frosted cupcakes, and a John Deere tractor cake put together by me and Nana. We had the party at Grandma's porch. Your cousins helped with opening presents and you all had a great time pushing around trucks and devouring cake. You loved your ukulele. Nana bought you a Thomas set, only fueling your addiction to what you call chug a choos.

Oct: Nana moved to Nashville and you have been having a fab time with her. She has been keeping you home a day or two a week. You are killing us with the why, who is that, where did that come from, what's that, what's in the store...etc. Non-stop questions! You jump, you pedal, you gallop. You wake up and sing to yourself peacefully for nearly a half and hour. I love listening to you. We had several family events at the barn with big bonfires and you played ring around the rosy in the dark with all the other kids. You climbed on hay bales and chatted up strangers. Nana and I took you to a pumpkin patch farm and it took you a bit but you finally fed a goat. It would have been cheaper though if we had just stayed home and let you climb on the riding lawn mower cause that was your favorite part. You also wanted to know where the lions where. Maybe time for another trip to the zoo!

Nov: You are starting to memorize books and rhymes and songs. You have picked up crazy phrases from day care such as My bad, and No Deal. You are starting to color more and your imaginative play has exploded. We have great conversations in the car in the morning and evenings. You have turned into a chocolate junkie and you are crazy about watermelon and raisins just at the moment. This weekend you have a birthday party and a trip to see the trains at the Science Center.

I know you won't remember any of this but it brings us so much happiness to experience the novelty of the beautiful world through you. You are happy healthy and wonderful. I am proud but mostly I just feel lucky for the blessing that is you.