Dear Ethan

Today you turn 2 years old. It has been a blast watching you grow and develop your personality. You compliment your brother so well. In a way, you are total opposites...in another, you are completely the same. Dad, in your baby blessing, asked for you to be Dom's companion. And while I know you dont always get along 100% of the time, you do really love each other. You like to play together and like to hold each other's hand. Dom and I are the only people that you will let hold your hand.

Birthday boy

You love food....or you did until recently. I'm thinking the 2 yr old molars are coming in. In the last checkup, your doctor said you had all your teeth except for the molars.  I can see the 2 year old assertiveness coming out most days. You want to be in control, and you like telling me "no" a lot. You like to say what is on your mind, you have no filter. Since Dom was not really talking at this age, I am not really sure if that is a 2 year old thing....or if that is you. But I like knowing my kids have opinions, and like to hear them, even if it's not what I want to hear in the moment. You really like Mexican food- tamales, avocado, sopa, rice, beans, tortilla...whatever Guelita cooks. At your last checkup you were 30lbs (87% percentile) and 38 in  (99% percentile) . You wear 2T clothes, you stretched dude. The clothes Dom used to wear at this age, don't fit you...and he was tall.

Getting ready to meet Santa

You are definitely a mama's boy.  You like feeling the snuggles and cuddles at all times. You like having visitors, but always sit on my lap. You like to watch movies and TV with me....on my lap. You don't like nursery unless I am in there...and when I sneak away, it doesn't take you long to figure it out....and I have to come back in. It kind of stinks, but I know there was a couple of kiddos in there with the same problem and eventually overcame it. You just need more time than Dom did. You do like snack time. You can be in nursery by yourself until about snack time, and then you break down.
You are my shopping buddy. You like putting things in the cart and you like to see everything. You like my coupon folder and love to go through it. You like to smile and giggle and you love to drive me and Dom nuts. But you are pretty lovable. Dom loves to give you kisses and hugs, and you don't like it. In fact, the only one you will let cuddle you and snuggle you is Mama. Everyone else is just annoying.

you LOVE to color...crayon of choice: blue and purple

You sleep great....if you eat before you go to bed. You go to bed at 8pm and can last all the way until 5am. WAY better than your brother. You definitely like your sleep. You also like to take 2 hr naps during the day. You are like me- we like our sleep. You still have a blanket you like to suck on (the corners)....I think our resolution next year, is to let it go. While I'm glad it's not your thumb....I wish it wasn't the blanket either. You like to take it in the car with you, but I REFUSE to let you take in the store or anywhere else inside. For the most part, you only suck on it when your about to sleep or when you're watching tv. You also like to grind your teeth and it usually happens right before you find the blanket, which leads me to believe that maybe the problem will get better once the blanket its gone....or maybe it will get way worse....I guess we won't know until we try.

you also love tiny bottles

You hardly ever get sick, I have never taken you to the doctor or ER or ugent care for something bad. You have the immune system of your Dad. The only thing you have is eczema, but it's not nearly as bad as your older brother. It's actually not bad at all. I switched detergents (to something with no perfumes or dyes) and that actually took care of our problems (most of Dom's too). In February, we will go to check your eyesight and see if you need new glasses. But other than the routine checkup, you are fine. It's probably because you actually eat real food, and your gummy vitamins. You don't like shots (who does?) but you don't cry nearly as bad as other kids. But you don't ask for anything (medicinal)....you're a tough cookie. Every now and then, I will give you chamomile tea if you're really whiny. I will mix it in your night milk and you sleep great. One time, I gave you melatonin, but I only save those for super emergencies.

you love sauces

Everyone calls you "baby" including Dom....but we all know that is not the case anymore. You are no longer a baby, but a full size toddler. And you are turning into a sweet boy. I love watching you interact with family and friends. I have enjoyed being your mother these past couple of years. Please turn out to be a decent human being.....

you sure love your brother

Love,
Your Mama