An Idea You Can Test

Dear LittleDude,

This was the conversation we had on the way to school this morning.

Me: What are you going to do at school today, Bud?

You: Play blocks.

Me: What else?

You: Test a hypothesis.

Obviously, I am underestimating your curriculum at school. Or you're just watching a lot of Dinosaur Train.

I love you.
Love, Mommy

Of Laughter

Dear Squeaky,

Today, you busted out with your very first full-fledge belly laugh. The trigger? A good morning hello from Mommy that came out sounding like a cross between Julia Child and Sesame Street's Grover. Go figure.

I love you.
Love,
Mommy

Of Brotherhood

Dear LittleDude,

Today you became a big brother. So far, you seem thoroughly unimpressed with your new baby brother and your new role in our family, but I know you will take to it in no time. The coming weeks, and maybe even months, will be hard. Daddy has to go on the airplane again, Mommy won't be able to give all the attention all the time, and I'm quite sure Squeaky won't be able to play trains the way you want him to -- not yet anyway. But, we will find our way together, as a family, and I know you'll be the best big brother ever, just as you are the best son any mother could ask for. And remember, no matter what, you will always be my baby.

I love you.
Love,
Mommy

Grace!

Dear LittleDude,

Lately, we've been working on routines, and one of the things we're trying to be more diligent about is saying Grace before each meal. However, each time we pause and say, "Okay, Toby, let's say Grace," you pipe up, "Grace!" and immediately start eating. We'll work on it.

I love you.
Love, Mommy

Pay It Forward

Dear LittleDude,

Every once in awhile, I like to do something nice for someone else for no reason. Often, as it did one day last week during one of our daily trips through the McDonald's drive-through for after school ice cream, that involves paying for someone else's order. Today, someone who witnessed that act last week had the opportunity to tell me that the gesture continued to be passed on through over a dozen cars until no one was left in line.

Sometimes, we're tempted to put off small acts of kindness because we feel they are unappreciated or unnoticed. However, remember that even the smallest acts can make a huge difference whether we see it or not, and you will always be a better person for opening your heart and giving kindness than for closing it and keeping to yourself.

I love you.
Love, Mommy