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

Car Washes & Cookies

Dear LittleDude,

Today, Curious George built one of your favorite things in the world: a car wash. And apparently, it put you in the mood to wash your own toy cars because you asked to take a bath, dubbed it a "car wash" and spent 2 hours washing all your bathtub cars. When you got out, you wanted a cookie, and I told you that you could have one as soon as we got you dried off and got your jammies on. So, we went into your room, got up on the changing table, toweled you off some more, and started putting your jammies on. But I guess I just wasn't quick enough because about halfway through the jammies, you looked at me and exclaimed, "Hurry up, Mama! My cookie's gettin' stale!" And so I did.

I love you.
Love, Mommy

Smart Little Dinosaur

Dear LittleDude,

Last night's story time was the best story time ever. Lately, you've had quite a list of bedroom stories. Before I rock you, I have to read "Dinosaur Food" (a.k.a. "How Do Dinosaurs Eat Their Food?"), "Dinosaur Goodnight" ("How Do Dinosaurs Say Goodnight?"), "Dinosaur Cat" ("How Do Dinosaurs Take Care of Cats?"), and "Cereal" (a Cheerio play book). When I rock you, I have to recite all those dinosaur stories and add "Dinosaur Cookie" ("How Do Dinosaurs Eat Cookies?"), "Dinosaur Ho-Ho" ("Dinosaur Christmas"), "Pajama Time" (correct title), and "Goodnight, Gorilla" (also correct title). (It's a good thing I have a good memory!)

Usually, you just curl up in my lap and play with my fingers or rub my cheek with your hand. Sometimes, you try to tickle me. Other times, you're content to look at the stars on your ceiling and just listen. But last night? Last night you recited every word of "Dinosaur Ho-Ho," "Dinosaur Food," and "Pajama Time" right along with me, looking up at me and smiling and giggling the entire time. You're such a smart little guy!

I love you, little dinosaur.
Love, Mommy

Daddy's Shoes

Dear LittleDude,

Hiding Daddy's PT shoes will not make him have to stay home from work. Neither will hiding Daddy's boots (in case you're thinking of trying it). Now, will you please tell me where you hid them?

I love you.

Love, Mommy

It's the Ickey House Ubhouse!

Dear LittleDude,

This is one of the moments I've been waiting for. Ever since we started planning to take you and Lulu to Disney World (which, granted, was only two weeks ago) this summer, the one thing I've sort been sad about is that you haven't been all that familiar with anything Disney related outside of "Tangled" (your favorite movie). You've always been more of a PBS Kids kid, counting "Curious George," "Dinosaur Train," "Thomas," and "Sid the Science Kid," among your favorites. But then last week, you discovered "Chuggington," and I discovered that it's part of the Disney Junior programming line-up. That led to "Mickey's Clubhouse," which led to "Jake & the Neverland Pirates," which led to the Disney animated classics. Today, you spent all morning watching "Ickey House," and now you're completely mesmerized by "Um-Mo" (Dumbo). Now I'm sure you will love this vacation and experience a little magic in your own Toby way.

I love you.
Love, Mommy