Vocabulary Development

Dear Vinny,

You are fast learning more and more words. Sometimes your pronunciation is not quite right, however. For example, when it's time for a siesta, you tend to say, "Map!" And when you've found something very precious that you want, you say "Nine!"

Daddy bought you a very nice toy setup with a fridge, microwave, stove, and oven, which you refer to as "Chicken!"

Love,
Mama

Dentist Follow-up

Dear Vinny,

Daddy took you for your follow-up appointment with the dentist on Monday. The dentist said your tooth was fine but that we needed to take away your binky because it was damaging your bite. So we did, but it has been very hard on all of us. You've had trouble sleeping through the night because that's when you've had it for the past several months.

I've noticed you cramming your hand in your mouth a lot more, which must be because you're missing that binky sensation. I'm so sorry that we have to do this, but it's for the best, my sweet boy.

Love,
Mama

Mommy or Mama

Dear Vinny,

When you first started talking about us, you called your parents "Mama" and "Dada." I thought that "Mama" was so cute that I decided I preferred it over "Mommy." Daddy likes being called Daddy, though. So he encouraged you to change to saying "Daddy."

But I'm keeping "Mama," so I guess it would be more consistent if I signed these letters with that name. So from here on out, I will.

Love,
Mama

Grandpa's Retirement Party

Dear Vinny,

On Thursday, we got in the car and drove to Kentucky. Grandpa was having a big party the next day, celebrating his retirement.

You got to see a lot of relatives: Aunt Laura arrived soon after we did. The next day, you, Aunt Laura, and I went and saw Mommy's grandma, your great-Grandma Laura, at her home. She was really pleased to see you -- she brightens up at the sight of young children. That afternoon, your cousin Maya and Aunt Vaughan attended Grandpa's party, as did his mother (your great-Grandma Mary) and several of Grandpa's siblings: Uncle Grant, Uncle Paul and Aunt Ann, Aunt Sally, Uncle Glen, Aunt Barb, and Mommy's cousin Glenna.

Your Grandma got a chance to dote over you, and had several brand-new outfits waiting for you when we got there. (She'd told us not to bring very many clothes for you.) When Grandpa was being honored at his retirement party, he was holding you very proudly by his side!

On Saturday, we celebrated Father's Day with Grandpa. We went out for pizza (your latest favorite food) and gave him a card signed by you and a picture of you. Afterwards we went to play in the park. You had a great time playing and were disappointed when we had to leave.

We came home on Sunday, and I know Grandma and Grandpa were sad to see you go. I'm glad you got the chance to spend some time with them.

Love,
Mommy