Month Thirty-Five

Dear Abe,

It is about time that I post something for you! Don't think that I haven't been thinking about it. I think about it every single day -- especially because you give me something to write about everyday. But, I have procrastinated. I think a lot of it is because there is just too much to write. And, I am trying with all of my might to sum you up right now in one, little blog post. It is impossible, I can't. The other day I was listening to the radio and this comedian was talking about having a 3-year-old son. He said, "Some days I look at him, and can't believe that I can love something so much. And, some days I want to drop him off at the nearest gas station." That is oh so very true.

For awhile there we were having all kinds of trials and tribulations with you and the potty training. When Baby Sam came along, I basically gave up on it. I couldn't deal with it anymore, and did not want to clean up your pee by the Island of Sodor (your train table). I have read back through some of the recent blogs and have to chuckle at myself. I thought we had it all down and under control. Boy, was I wrong. After it got bad, it got way worse, and I think if there is an opposite of being potty trained, that would be you. You were using the power of the pee against us. Let me explain:

One day your Daddy and I were on the computer looking at some cars. I was holding Sam and you were dancing around behind us screaming, "I WANNA SEE THE WIGGLES. I WANNA SEE THE WIGGLES." Well, of course we ignored you. Bad move. The next thing we know, we hear the sound of water on the carpet. But, no, it was not water. You just pulled down your pants and peed on the floor.

But, that was the lowest of the low, because one day it was like a light bulb went off and you were telling us you had to go to the bathroom and you would go in there by YOURSELF and pee by YOURSELF. My doctor told me this would happen when the baby was about four months old, and of course I didn't believe her, because I was convinced you would be 19 and wearing Cars pullups. But, she was right. You just decided to be potty trained one day, and now we have never looked back. You even wake up in the middle of the night to go. I KNOW! I really could not be prouder of you.

The way you talk right now is probably the funniest thing about you. And, it is not only what you say, but the WAY you say it. I sometimes liken your mannerisms and inflections of that of an 80 year old woman. You are very expressive in what you say, and you use your hands and face for good measure. Here are some of my favorite Abe phrases:


"Are you mad? You're mad at me. Mama, you're mad."
"Do you want to play outside with me? I have a cool deck."
"I'm just teasing you Mama."
"Do you hear that? That's annoying."

Your new favorite thing is the movie "Cars." I can't remember the last time you played with Thomas, and that makes me a little sad. But, you have watched the "Cars" about 149 times, and already know all of the characters names. You have four different Lightning McQueens, and request specific ones at different times, always wanting the one that is buried who knows where.



The other day I took you and Sam to little Sanna and Riley's first birthday party. You were the oldest kid there, which seemed so weird to me! My baby is the OLDEST. You were such a good boy, so gentle with the little girls and asking me if it was okay to do this or that. I remember looking at you and being so proud of the sweet, smart boy you have become. You are growing up way too quickly for me. I love you so much. Thank you for making me laugh.

Love,
Mama