Dear Shep,

The months are flying by and you continue to amaze me every day. You spend mornings with your Daddy these days while I catch an extra hour of sleep. The new baby has me feeling pretty tired these days and I know that you boys have fun with your one on one time. The messes you guys leave tell it all! You love Curious George as always and give tons of snuggles when it’s playing. Daddy and I are both probably a bit too guilty of letting you watch that monkey too much!

Outside is definitely your favorite place these days, and I can’t imagine how we will survive the winter without being able to spend time in the backyard. Between your new playhouse from Papa Bear and Honey and your pool and water table, you pretty much have it made out there. The red car from Shep and Dece still has the footboard in because you refuse to peddle yourself Flinstone style. Why would you? With one lower lip you have the power to convince whoever is outside with you to push you around the house as many times as it takes to make you happy (approximately 15).

This month you were able to test out the splash pad (which you adored), had your first small group meet up with some new friends, and managed to gain a brand new tooth (or the start of one) all while growing like a weed. You are stacking your blocks now before knocking them down, and pretty much a pro at shape puzzles regardless of how difficult they are. No new animal sounds, but you are still pretty much obsessed with telling us what a cow says. As for “mama”? Well, I’ve just given up. You say DaDa all of the time but it usually is substituting the words “bye bye” when waving goodbye to people so I’m not completely offended. Any day now we would really appreciate you calling us by name. You know, the people who have dedicated their lives to you. But no big deal, we’ll continue to wait.

I look forward to this next month of adventures with you. I always know that we are in for a special treat each day when the baby alarm goes off. You typically wake me with your babble talk and slowly chunk each of your loves out of your crib. If I added more lovies would it buy Daddy more time for a cup of coffee each morning? Can’t blame me for asking….

Updates:

Total teeth: working on your 8th

Favorite Foods: you are a fan of the food group POTATO. Anything with potatoes. Any form. You also are digging peanut butter sandwiches these days and potato chips….because chips are made from potatoes of course. Broccoli is still a hit. I suppose I should be pushing more veggies after typing this out….

Diapers: size 3

Your walk is almost at a run at times these days. No new words.

Skills: stacking blocks and killing it with shape puzzles

Xx Mommy

pc: Haley Graydon Photography