two years of matthew

Dear Matthew,

Happy birthday to my sweet, sweet boy! Two years ago you waltzed into my life fairly quickly, and we have not been the same since. You add a calm to our family that sets a more pleasant tone, and your sense of wonder at all around you is a joy to behold.

Over the last little while, you've slowly left your babyhood behind in favor of being the big boy that you've become. You follow instructions happily and willingly, and will often take matters into your own hands as the situation warrants it. I love having an extra little helper around the house, and you like doing what your big brothers do (except for now you grasp the concept of obedience much better). It's also been fun to watch your vocabulary blossom as you try to communicate like the rest of us.

But don't grow up too quickly. Please remember how much we adore your gentle and wet lip kisses and the way you like to hang around our necks (especially Dad's!) in a prolonged and extremely relaxed hug. I will be sad the day you decide to abandon your white cloth and stop sucking your thumb as you hold it.

In addition to your white cloth, a few of your current loves include your stuffed monkey and Snoopy dolls; coloring; playing with your yellow rubber ducks (or "quack quacks," as you call them); penguins, particularly when you get to wear your penguin shirt and matching penguin socks; snack foods, especially chips, all of which you call "crackers"; stickers; eating bagels with Mom; and Blue's Clues (though you'll sit for just about any show that's available).

I love you, Matthew, and am so lucky that you are mine.

Love,
Mama

* * *

Here are a few snapshots of our celebrations throughout the day.

We went on a little springtime nature walk/scavenger hunt around our block, which seemed appropriate, what with it also being Earth Day and all. Matthew took checking things off his list very seriously. Apparently holding your own clipboard is a very grown up thing to do.

Licking the frosting.

Birthday cupcakes!

Time to open presents.

He loved the unwrapping part so much that often he'd get only halfway through opening one gift before he started to dig into another. He made quite a haul: the book Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site; nesting penguin dolls, a set of small puzzles, a set of farm-themed magnets, a summer outfit, a wooden M subway train, and...

 ...from Grandma Nancy and Grandpa Dave, a Blue's Clues handy dandy notebook, accompanying set of crayons, paw print clue post-its, and stickers. It was a huge hit, and he knew just what to do with them.

 He even knew exactly where to stash the crayons.

Overall he had a really great day, and judging by how well received his gifts were, tomorrow will be just as wonderful.