23 Months Old!

Dear Marcus,

Here we are, another month in the books. You are *almost* two. How is that possible?! When did that happen?! I'd be lying if I told you a wasn't a tiny little bit sad that you're no longer a baby, but a little boy.

Each day your dad and I watch you in amazement. So often I'll say, "Marcus is just so awesome." Because, well, you are.

Unofficial Stats
Height: 35 inches
Weight: 32.5 pounds
Clothes: 2T/3T
Shoes: 7
Diapers: Size 6(!)

Language
It's almost as if one morning you woke up and decided to repeat everything we say. Everything. More often than not, if we ask you to say a word you oblige. There isn't much you won't say, except "please." You REFUSE to say please. You go around saying, "Thanks, Mom," "Thanks, Dad," all.day.long. But, ask you to say "please"? Forget about it. There may have also been the time in Target when something was a bit upsetting and I mumbled "Damn" under my breath. You were quick to chirp up and announce "DAMN!" as we made our way through the check-out. Yikes. The filter has been noted and applied.

Play
Not much has changed here. You prefer to be outside, and if we are going to get specific, you love playing in the dirt and getting dirty. You are mildly obsessed with your football and bring it with you where ever you go (even to bed). It seems as if you're thisclose to figuring out the pedals on your tricycle. We'll keep working on that.

Food
I've completely stopped making you any special meals. You are served what we eat and it's amazing how much your palate has expanded. You aren't a huge fan of meats, other than hot dogs, and you always love some mac and cheese. But, it's nice that you're getting into edemame, peas, chicken nuggets, rice, and pudding. Buddy, you would live off pudding if I let you.
You have completely given up on eating with spoons and forks made specifically for toddlers. You will only eat with the real deal. It also seems as if the food on our plates is more appetizing that what is on yours - even though it is always the exact same thing.

Sleep
We haven't dealt with sickness for awhile, thank goodness. For that, your sleep has been great. You're in bed by 8PM and up between 6:00 and 6:30AM.
Each day you nap after lunch for anywhere from two to three hours. There are days you have a difficult time transitioning out of your nap to fully awake. On those days our afternoons can be kind of rocky.

Mood/Temperament
Although we are still a month out from you turning 2 you have already displayed you are aware of the Terrible Twos. Thankfully, you are generally in a good mood most hours of most days. You are aware of things you should and should not do. When you are caught doing something you shouldn't you give me this stinky little grin (see below). It comes as no surprise that the thing that makes you happiest it the outdoors.

These last 23 months have been such a ride. You've shown me more in two years than I ever thought possible. Little man, you are seriously so cool.
You are my world, Monkey, my whole world.


I love you to the moon and back. Twice.

Love,
Mommy