Twenty Three Months

 23 Months

• The big kids start school this month. They were excited to go, but you asked me about Maggie fifty times that first day. Even Millie is going to preschool, so I have three mornings a week with just us. We have used that time to go walking up on the track while the weather is warm, cleaning the house, and focusing on reading. You are my lastest kid to enjoy books. When you are in the mood though, it is sweet to cuddle up on the couch with you.
• I have been trying to read before nap time every day. You favorite book is the Piggie and Elephant book, "Pigs Make Me Sneeze". You will sneak up on the big bed to read it. I will hear you saying "aahhh" and "sneeze". 
• Story time has started up again. Last year was hard with you climbing all over the place, wanting to ease the board, not letting others hold you, and only wanting to sit on my lap. This year isn't perfect yet, but you have grown up so much that it shows in you sitting still at least for the first book. You love when I bring out the musical instruments. 
• I decided this year that whenever I pack a lunch for the bog kids, I would pack a lunch in a lunch box for you and Millie. It has been a big hit. The kitchen stays cleaner at lunch and you two pretend that you are school kids eating lunch in the cafeteria. 
• I let you use the mini shopping chart at Cash-n-Carry for the first time. Now I can't go in without you running over to grab one. I have only got hit in the heel once. 
• Soccer season is in full swing. This year I am coaching Maggie's team. I tried asking Sam to watch you during that hour, but that hasn't work. Sometimes, you will sit sweetly with the balls. Food can keep you still, but most time I find you playing the goal and running onto the field. When Maggie is off and can watch you, you love finding Nora and playing with her. When we are getting ready for the park, you get excited and say, "soccer?!"
• You just repeated back to me "I love you"! I have been working so hard on this one with you. I love you so much!
• Your vocabulary has increased ten folds. You are still mostly one word, but occasional you will do two/three word phrases like "Millie bath. JoJo bath."