Long Lapse

Dear Vinny,

It has been quite some time since I last wrote a letter to you.  I'm sorry that I've been so busy with other things.  I will try to fill in some of the gaps here.

First, we had a wonderful birthday party for you the weekend of October 17-19.  We invited your four grandparents down to spend the weekend all together at a cabin at Big Ridge State Park.  We all had a really good time and you were the center of everyone's attention.  Your grandparents brought you a lot of presents, including a Vinny-sized table and two chairs, a submarine bath toy, and a whole new fall/winter wardrobe.  We had a nice birthday party for you, complete with a chocolate cake with raspberry filling made by me, and party decorations supplied and put up by Grandma Marvis.

We took you trick-or-treating on Halloween, which you enjoyed, but you didn't quite understand.  We dressed you in a park ranger outfit that we had bought for you at the Grand Canyon.  You thought that the purpose of knocking on doors or ringing doorbells was to enter people's houses, so you did, several times.  I had to chase after you many times, and I got to see the interior of some neighbors' houses.

In November, you spent a week with Grandpa and Grandma, while Mama and Daddy went to Austin, Texas for Mama's supercomputing conference.  You had a good time with Grandpa during the day.  The day before Mama and Daddy left, we all went and saw your Great-Grandma Laura who had just turned 100.  While you were there with Grandpa and Grandma, Grandpa took you on a trip to see his mother, your Great-Grandma Mary.  He said you really enjoyed the trip, pointing out all the bridges that you saw.

We stayed home for Thanksgiving so it was just the three of us for Thanksgiving dinner.  You have become fascinated by the mixer, so I took the opportunity to have you help me make rolls for Thanksgiving dinner using the mixer.  You got a big kick out of turning on the mixer, except for the time that you turned it on high and the flour was thrown out into your face.  "I finished!" you declared.  Unfortunately, the rolls burned, so I whipped up some cornbread instead.  You ate only cornbread and cranberry sauce for Thanksgiving dinner.  You are a huge fan of cranberry sauce.  That's my boy!

You love going to the children's museum here in town.  Aunt Laura and Aunt Anne renewed your membership to the museum for your birthday, which was just wonderful of them, because you love that place.  The major highlights include a room with nests recessed in the floor, which you can push buttons and illuminate (it's the push-button/light combination that you love!); a room full of trains and an elaborate model train layout that you love to watch; and an exhibit about Appalachian life with various instrumental parts playing "Turkey in the Straw" at the push of a button -- you particularly enjoy the string bass part.  You have been known to run down the hall squealing in excitement.  If you could live in the museum, I think you would!

The first weekend in December, we took you to the museum twice, and in the evening after it closed we took you to see the outdoor train garden there illuminated with Christmas lights.  Although it was really cold, you enjoyed the trains a lot and were very disappointed to leave.

You've become interested in the potty (which you pronounce "polly") but you haven't yet figured out when you need to use it.  You really enjoy watching the "Elmo Potty Time" DVD, and sitting on the toilet reading the Elmo potty book complete with buttons to push that make various sounds.  And speaking of television, you really love the show "Oswald."  Your love of Oswald has eclipsed your love of "Jack's Big Music Show" and "Lazytown."  You've also started watching "Blue's Clues" sometimes, which led to the following funny incident.  Daddy was playing a computer game, and suddenly you started shouting, "A clue!  I see clue!"  We didn't know what in the world you were talking about until we saw a pawprint in the game.  You are a very observant boy!

Another thing that shows your advanced powers of observation is that today, when we were watching Oswald say goodbye to his pet fish, you said "I feel sad Oswald" -- Vinny-speak for "Oswald is sad."  I was impressed that you noticed Oswald's sadness and possessed that kind of empathy for him.

For Christmas, we went to Kentucky.  During the week before Christmas, we were at Grandma and Grandpa's house, and got to see your Aunt Rachel, Uncle Scott, Cousin Byron, and Aunt Laura.  Also we saw your cousin Maya, Aunt Vaughan, Uncle Austin, Aunt Kristin, and Uncle Andy.  You also got a chance to meet Mama and Daddy's friends Carrie and Chad, and their kids Alex and Annika, and to jump on their bounce house in the basement.  You really enjoyed that jumping.  You also enjoyed helping Grandpa cut down and decorate a Christmas tree.

On Christmas Day, we went to Granny and Granddad's house, and got to have dinner with them and Aunt Ginger and Uncle Johnny.  Then, Aunt Mary and Uncle Wayne came for a visit too.  You had a great time with all those relatives, and your presence gave great joy to them too.

You got all kinds of presents for Christmas.  From Mama and Daddy you got a big boy bed, although we haven't set it up for you yet.  It's a twin mattress, plus sheets, a blanket, and a comforter, and some decorative pillows.  The sheets, comforter, and decorative pillows are an underwater theme, with sea creatures playing musical instruments.  It seems like the perfect theme for you, because you love fish and music.

From Grandma and Grandpa, you got a fish tank.  We also haven't set that up for you yet.  They provided the tank and accessories, but we need to get some fish.  Aunt Laura and Aunt Rachel's family both gave you some books.  I know you will love to read them, because you are an avid reader.  From Aunt Ginger and Uncle Johnny you got some more Curious George stuff (book and video), to go with the book and Curious George stuffed animal they gave you for your birthday.  And Granny and Granddad gave you many gifts; your favorite one was a set of eight bells upon which one could play tunes.  But you prefer just ringing them as fast as you can.  Fair enough.

Your vocabulary has expanded a lot.  You are pronouncing words better and better, and you are forming more advanced and complicated sentences.  You are very polite and basically always say please and thank you.  Also, when you ask for things, you generally say "I'd like some [whatever], please."  You're repeating more and more of what Mama and Daddy say to you, such as "Let's do it!" and "That's a boy!" (which is Grandpa's influence, not ours).

Every day you bring such joy into my life, sweet boy.  Thank you for all your love.

Love,

Mama

Happy 2nd Birthday!

Dear Vinny,

Today is your second birthday! It is hard to believe that you are two years old already, but when I look at you I know that you are. You're still a very happy boy, and your powers of speech continue to amaze me. Speaking of amazing, you are amazed by a lot of things still. You see something interesting, and you exclaim, "Oh, wow!" How I love to hear you say that!

Today we went to Chuck E. Cheese with Tia and Uncle. You enjoyed the pizza but you also enjoyed running around the restaurant and looking at all the blinking lights.

We brought some frosted brownies to serve as a cake for your party. Daddy gave you the candle to lick, but you didn't understand that you were supposed to lick it, and took a big bite out of it instead. I don't think you enjoyed the taste of wax very much, but you wouldn't let me get the wax out of your mouth. You just chewed it and swallowed it.

For your birthday, Mama and Daddy got you an iPod Shuffle because you love to listen to music so much. You've been listening to Daddy's iPod a lot, and you will even sit for 15 minutes at a time, just listening. I loaded it up with your favorite songs.

It was a lot of work giving birth to you two years ago, but the joy you have brought into our lives was well worth the effort!

Love,
Mama

Fun with Grandpa and Grandma

Dear Vinny,

You had a great time with Grandpa and Grandma. Grandpa said that when you two dropped Mama and Daddy off at the airport, you didn't cry at all. While you were there, Grandpa took care of you during the day while Grandma was at work, and he took you on a lot of different outings.

One day you went to the Lexington Children's Museum, which you really enjoyed. He also took you to his office to help him clean it out. Grandpa and Grandma took you to the pumpkin patch over the weekend, where you rode on a little train and enjoyed it immensely. You also went to Grandpa's departmental picnic together, along with Aunt Vaughan and Cousin Maya, and got a chance to play with a lot of other little kids.

Grandpa told me a couple of funny stories about you. The first was that you are very geographically aware. He and Grandma had taken you out for pizza one night, but accidentally left your sippy cup there. So the next day, he went back to the pizza place with you to retrieve the sippy cup. Apparently you recognized the restaurant and said, "Pizza? Eat pizza?"

Another time, Grandma did something clever and Grandpa congratulated her by calling her a genius. You then did something clever and said "I'm a genius!"

You were happy to see Mama and Daddy when we got back, but I think you had a really good time with Grandpa and Grandma. They are looking forward to another visit from you in November!

Love,
Mama

Vacation Time for Mama and Daddy

Dear Vinny,

Tomorrow, we will all travel to Kentucky, where you will spend a week with Grandpa and Grandma while Mama and Daddy go on a trip to see the Grand Canyon. We will miss you a lot, but I know that you will have lots of fun with Grandpa and Grandma. They are crazy about you and they will spoil you rotten while we are gone.

Hopefully you will get a chance to see Aunt Vaughan and your cousin Maya while you are there. I know Grandpa is planning to take you to a picnic and to do some fun stuff around Lexington. I have no doubt that you will have a great time.

Love,
Mama

Pancake Fan

Dear Vinny,

You have become a big fan of Mama's pancakes. Here is an actual conversation between you and Daddy, as recounted to me by Daddy:

Vinny: Milk!

Daddy: You want some milk?

Vinny: Sure! and cake!

Daddy: We don't have any cake.

[Vinny looks at him and points toward the kitchen.]

Vinny: Make cake!

Daddy: I can't make cake, Mama makes cake.

Vinny: Mama make cake, home.

So the next morning, I made you some pancakes.

Love,
Mama

Drawing Developments

Dear Vinny,

You have been scribbling on paper for quite some time. You sent Granny a "signed" Easter card before you were able to sit up on your own, and for every holiday and birthday since, you've signed cards. You also love to draw on paper, the floor, whatever you can make a mark on.

But until last week, as far as we knew, it was just scribbles. But then, you drew something and told me what it was: an airplane. Amazing!

Your favorite artistic subject of late has been thunder and lightning. You also love to draw the moon (still one of your favorite things), and you've drawn pictures of Mama and Daddy as well. None of them look quite like what you're intending (yet) but in time they will. You are an accomplished artist already.

Love,
Mama

Toddler Tunes

Dear Vinny,

You are one big music fan. This is at least in part because your parents are musically inclined.
But in addition to being predisposed to enjoy music, we've exposed you to a lot of music in the 22 months since you were born. (You might argue that we exposed you to a lot of music in utero, too.)

When I put you to bed, I always sing at least one song to you. Every night, we read (sing) Down by the Bay, which you absolutely adore, and then I sing "Can't Help Falling in Love." Despite my voice's bad reputation (my singing was once mistaken for the sound of someone being strangled by a snake), you seem to enjoy it. Personally, I think that I may not have the best voice tone, but thanks to my perfect pitch, I'm never off-key.

You love Jack's Big Music Show, and from that show you and Daddy learned about the renowned children's singer/songwriter Laurie Berkner. Daddy bought a couple of Laurie Berkner CDs and put them on his iPod. You can't get enough Laurie Berkner. Your favorites include "I'm a Mess," "Under a Shady Tree" (which you refer to as "Twee"), and "Running Down the Hill" ("I-I-I-Wunning" -- from the lyrics).

You've always been fascinated by the piano. In February, we got it tuned, and you watched the piano tuner intently. When the man tested his tuning by playing, you had to sit next to him and watch, and cried when it was time for the piano tuner to leave.

You love to play the piano too. You will actually sit on the piano bench and play for several minutes, which is remarkable, given the attention span of a toddler. You do more than just pound on the keys; you sometimes appear to be picking out a tune of some sort. And when you find a sound that you like, you repeat it before moving on to something else.

Something that's been interesting to watch is your musical development. You don't really sing yet -- you haven't figured out how to make your voice change pitch -- but you definitely can distinguish singing from speaking. You also seem to have tunes going through his head: you'll break out with "I-I-I-Wunning...daaaw Hiw" (for example), even when you haven't heard the song for quite some time.

You sometimes sing along with music -- you especially enjoy singing along with the "Jack's Big Music Show" theme song. It is incredibly cute to hear. You know to lengthen or shorten syllables with the rhythm, but like I said, you haven't figured out how to change the pitch of your voice yet. You also clap to the rhythm of songs, and dance too. It is so cute when you dance. You jump but you haven't figured out how to get completely off the ground, so it's more like springing up to your tip-toes and back down.

In a few years, I would like for you to take piano lessons, because one thing I regret is that for all the musical talent and skill that I have, I don't know how to play the piano. I'm looking forward to the further development of your musical talents!

Love,
Mama

Mother-Son Afternoon Excursion

Dear Vinny,

I spent a wonderful Saturday afternoon at the children's museum with you. Daddy was feeling a bit under-the-weather, so I took you out for a fun mother-son afternoon.

We hadn't taken you to the museum in a while. In fact, the last time you were there, you weren't walking yet, so you didn't get as much out of it then as you did yesterday.

We started in the train room, where you could have easily spent the entire afternoon. There are lots of toy trains to play with there, and you were shouting "TRAINS!" with excitement. After at least twenty minutes, I was able to lure you to the next exciting room, the child-sized dollhouse. You enjoyed playing in the kitchen of the dollhouse but didn't try to go upstairs. Unlike the last time we were there, there were no other children in the room so you had the run of it to yourself. Then we went to the rainforest room, where you enjoyed running on the boardwalk and opening and closing the doors of the "research station." Another room you really loved was the bird room, where, if you go up on this deck, there are bird's nests under glass on the floor. You really loved pushing the buttons and turning on the recessed lamps in the floor, illuminating the nests. We must have done that approximately 8,423,986 times. But I could tell you really enjoyed it so that made it worth it.

It is readily apparent to me that you love two things above all else: wheels and lights. The wheels on the train toys were what made them so awesome. In another exhibit, there was an old-timey wheelchair and you studiously examined and tried out the wheels on the wheelchair. And I tried to get you to look at the plants and animals in the rainforest room, but you were more interested in checking out the lighting system. I taught you the word "nest" from the aforementioned bird room, but it's entirely possible that you think it means recessed lighting.

Altogether we spent about four hours at the museum. We took one short break to eat some goldfish crackers and drink some milk, but otherwise, the whole time was spent in the museum. You really had a great time and we'll have to take you back there again very soon.

Love,
Mama

Words, Letters, and Numbers

Dear Vinny,

You have been saying more and more interesting sentences. Just yesterday you said to Daddy, "Open trash door, I throw away trash." When you're hungry, you'll say (for example), "Want some yogurt-toast" (that's toast with yogurt instead of jam).

You've also learned how to turn doorknobs, which means that you can leave your room if you'renot tired enough to take a nap. (Or you could, until we installed the child-proofing on the doorknob inside your room.)

You're getting a lot better at feeding yourself. You get more than half the food in your mouth when you feeds yourself, which I call a success. But you do enjoy rubbing the yogurt (for example) into the tablecloth or your clothes when it drips or misses your mouth.

You can recognize all the letters of the alphabet. You don't know the order yet but we've been practicing the alphabet song with you. You also know your numbers, although again you don't quite have the order down. I like to count things with you. For example, we'll be playing with a truck and I'll ask, "How many wheels?" You'll usually "count" the wheels, although the wheels are actually a means to an end. The goal of counting, in your opinion, is to get to ten (or sometimes, twenty). It doesn't really matter if you skip a few numbers or go out of order. Once you get to the target number, you celebrate. So usually, the reply to "How many wheels?" goes something like this:

"One, two, four, five, seven, eight, ten, yay!"

Close enough.

Love,
Mama

Back Together Again

Dear Vinny,

I was gone for a long time and I'm glad to be back home with you and Daddy. I missed you both lots and lots. While I was gone, Daddy took you to see Granny and Granddad, who really enjoyed getting the chance to see you. You went to the park to watch birds with Granny, and you got to play with Granddad and his trains.

Daddy said that you really started speaking in sentences regularly while you were at Granny and Granddad's. I was surprised when I saw you how much more you were saying. At dinner last night, you said to me, "Mama, I missed you all day!" I tell you that same thing when I come home from work every day, but I hadn't said that yesterday so I was really impressed when you said it!

I missed you all day, every day, too.

Love,
Mama

Travel Time

Dear Vinny,

Tomorrow morning, I leave for a long trip. First I'm going to Vancouver to see your cousin Byron, Aunt Rachel, and Uncle Scott for a few days. Then I will go to a conference in Seattle. I'll be gone for a total of ten days.

While I'm gone, Daddy will take you to see Granny and Granddad for a few days. I know they are looking forward to seeing you, almost as much as I will miss you every day that I am gone.

I can't wait to see you again.

Love,
Mama

Your First Flu

Dear Vinny,

For the first time ever, you came down with some sort of stomach bug yesterday. I knew something was wrong when I brought you into our bedroom and all you wanted to do was lie down and snuggle. You didn't seem feverish, just miserable. You lay there and moaned, until it happened -- you puked all over the bed and yourself. You felt somewhat better after that.

We gave you Pedialyte to drink, and you watched four episodes of your favorite show, Jack's Big Music Show. Then, when I was out shopping for more Pedialyte, you vomited again. But that was the last of it. We fed you chicken noodle soup and plain crackers. We also tried to give you some 7-Up, but you thought it was the most vile thing you'd ever tasted. That's fine -- I don't mind you disliking a beverage that is nothing more than empty calories!

You woke up this morning feeling fine. After it had been 24 hours since the last time you vomited, we let you have some pizza -- the food you'd been clamoring for since yesterday. You didn't seem to have any more stomach trouble after that, so all was well.

Love,
Mama

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

Your Antics

Dear Vinny,

Despite your sore mouth, you continue to be cheerful. You seem to have come down with a bit of a cold, but it hasn't dampened your mood.

This afternoon, instead of napping, you were singing. Here's a transcription (courtesy of your father):
blug-bo-blug-bo-goobar-goo.... dug-do-dug-do- hi-hi-hiyea yo yo hiyea yo yo hieyeah dooo gooo blug goobar goo

You have a wonderful sense of humor and you tell me what's particularly humorous by declaring it "Fuuunny!"

One of the most hilarious things is to peer through the handle and bench of your toolbench. "Ahsee-ooo!" you announce. "Fuuunny!"

Another hilarious activity is when we touch our feet and wiggle our toes. "Giggle giggle giggle," you say. You also love to smack my belly and watch it jiggle, beep my nose, or pinch it and hear me say "Ga-HOO-ga!", and point out my eyebrows (which you pronounce more like "eyeball," but you're definitely talking about eyebrows).

You're extremely ticklish in the armpits, so it's easy to get you to laugh that deep, belly laugh of yours. I love hearing it!

You love the book Hand, Hand, Fingers, Thumb. I have read it to you many, many times. You bring it to me and say, "Wead? Hand?" It is impossible to say no to you, even though I don't like it nearly as much as you do.

You have an amazing vocabulary, and know the word for just about everything you encounter. I enjoy watching your development!

Love,
Mommy

Dentist Visit

Dear Vinny,

Yesterday morning I took you to the dentist. This dentist was recommended to me by my dental hygienist, who saw him when she was a child. He seemed very nice.

It took me and the nurse to hold you down so that Dr. Bob could look at your tooth. You were pretty upset with the whole deal. Your tooth is probably going to be okay.

When he was poking around at your tooth, some off-white ooze came out of it. He didn't think it was pus, but gave you a prescription for antibiotics nonetheless. You and I went to Kroger to fill your prescription and stock up on other things that we needed. While there, we bought some Father's Day cards for your Daddy and your grandfathers. We also bought some peroxyl and gauze, to clean your mouth with as the dentist ordered. You don't like it when we do that; it must sting quite a bit.

You're sleeping through the night again and much more cheerful than you have been for the past few days. I am glad that you're healing up and my negligence didn't cause permanent damage.

Love,
Mommy

Pain in the Tooth

Dear Vinny,

I feel like the worst mother ever.

We were having a pleasant morning, horsing around on the bed, you and I. Daddy was in the other room starting his breakfast.

You were tumbling on the bed and I was trying to keep you from tumbling off. But I misjudged the distance and you fell right off the bed. You tumbled a full rotation and landed on your face!

You were screaming! I grabbed you and held you to my chest, trying to calm you down. At that point I saw the blood coming from your mouth. I thought you'd bit your lip or something so I tried to get a better look, but you were screaming bloody murder. I finally got a glimpse and saw that your left front tooth was jammed halfway back up into your gum. I called to Daddy and told him that we'd better take you to the doctor. He called the doctor's office and they told us to take you to the emergency room. So we decided to take you to Children's Hospital.

I tried to hold ice to your mouth but the pressure really made you hurt. We finally got to the hospital and saw a doctor, who said that your tooth would eventually descend on its own. He also told us to follow up with a dentist to make sure your growing permanent tooth bud hadn't been damaged. We were to take you home and put you on a diet of soft foods for the next week.

I am so sorry that this horrible thing happened to you. If I had the power, I would gladly have suffered that injury rather than you. I love you so much I can't bear to see you hurt!

Love,
Mommy

Your Latest Obsession

Dear Vinny,

Lately, you have discovered the moon. You are now officially obsessed with it.

After you first became aware of it, you looked up one evening, saw a streetlight, and shouted with delight, "MOON!!!"

Even now, you are very fascinated with the moon. You want to go outside and look for it, even when it's daytime or when the moon is not up.

Anything moon-shaped, whether a crescent or a circle, immediately elicits the exclamation, "Moon!"

The other night, when you were getting sick, you were absolutely inconsolable. Then Daddy looked up the object of your infatuation on Google images. You stopped crying and looked at the pictures.

I wonder whether your fascination with the moon will continue into adulthood. It will be interesting to watch!

Love,
Mommy