Dearest Toddler

Titus -

You are soon to be 19 months old and I would consider you a full-time toddler now. You are busy and always on the go. If I had half the energy....

Your five (5) favorite things right now:
1. Balls
2. Bubbles
3. Balloons
4. Books
5. Guitar (nope, doesn't start with B)

Your five (5) favorite non-sweet foods:
1. Oatmeal
2. Fruit and Grain Bars
3. Cereal
4. Cheese
5. Yogurt

Your five (5) favorite drinks:
1. Milk
2. Milk
3. Milk
4. Milk
5. Water

Your five (5) favorite fruits:
1. Strawberries
2. Bananas
3. Grapes
4. Blueberries
5. Cherries

Longest Word:
Chocolate
Strawberry
Outside

Most Words in a phrase:
Hi, Zoey, Zoey, Zoey
One More
Read Book
Go Down (telling Zoey to go downstairs)

Mommy's favorite word you say right now:
Apple (Papple)

Daddy's favorite word you say right now:
Daddy (Da Da)

Colors you identify:
Red
Yellow
Blue
Purple
Black

Letters you recognize:
A, B, E, T

Numbers:
None that I know of

Animal Sounds you know:
Dog
Cat
Fish
Horse
Cow
Sheep
Lion
Duck (Mommy's favorite)
Pig
Frog

Favorite Outfit:
Diaper with just shoes and socks

Favorite Activities:
Bath
Sandbox
Walks in Stroller or Wagon
Swing
Chase

I can't keep track of all the words you can say now, but here are a few of my favorites that you say on a regular basis:
Bird
Rock
Dirt
Tree
Ma Ma
Da Da
Beep (When you beep our noses)
Bump (When you give us fist bumps)

Chores you like to help Mommy with around the house:
Laundry
Feeding Zoey
Dishwasher
Washing Dishes in the sink

Today we went on a walk with the wagon. You brought back treasures: Two rocks and a pine cone. You must be your parents child, since both of us love nature. It is so neat to see your eyes opening up more and more to the wonders around you. Tonight we saw the moon and you even repeated the word after me very clearly.

You have also become very affectionate. This wasn't always the case. We use to have to let you cry it out to get to sleep, because you didn't like to cuddle or rock. Now you will let us rock with you as long as we are willing. We have gotten into a routine of reading books and rocking with you before putting you to bed at night and when you go down for your naps. The process takes around a half an hour and I enjoy every moment. Yesterday as you fell asleep in my arms, I was wishing I could hold you your entire nap. My arms would have given out and I wouldn't have been comfortable after too long, but oh how I wish I could just hold you forever like that.

As I do things around the house, you like to pretend or copy me. Last night as I was making supper, you wanted to sit on the counter and cook too. I sat you on the counter to the right of me and gave you a pot and spoon so you could stir, while I cooked on the left of the stove. Often times, as I am cooking you open up my cabinets and empty all the pots, pans and lids onto the floor. You also empty "your" drawer of measuring cups, spatulas, etc. to where the kitchen looks like a tornado came through. The reason I let you do it is because I know one day you will be 16 and not want to be in the kitchen hanging out. I treasure these moments.

I love you my little man (baby). I so much want to call you baby and often still do, even though every day I am reminded you are becoming a little man. You are becoming more and more aware of the world around you and letting your opinions be known. You are becoming an individual. I love to watch you develop in your language skills, physical skills, and in your awareness of others and how they react to you. We love you bud and are blessed to be your parents.

Love,
Mom and Dad