Dear Ian,

I'm told that tomorrow we must part ways, with me heading back to work, and you heading to your first day of "school". Though I would like to take you to drop you off in the morning, your daddy knows that I would never end up leaving you there. Instead, the day would have to be declared, "Take Ian to work day."

I will miss you so. You are the epitome of a sweetheart. Easygoing. Patient. A true snuggler. With a smile that lights up the room. I kiss you, you smile. I play peek-a-boo, you smile (and often give a few good belly laughs). But my favorite is when I reappear, back in sight after only a few minutes, and you smile. Now how can that kind of a reception not go to one's head?

We haven't spent much time apart, the two of us. We've been inseparable for about the past year. I have so loved the time that I got to keep you (mostly) all to myself. I have no doubt that your teachers will love you. And that you will grow to like school as much as your sister. She has informed her teachers that she would like to check in on you from time to time. I ask that you check in on her as well as she tells us she got her first time-out yesterday, and from her conversation with daddy, it sounds like she's considering misbehaving again. I know that you, too, will misbehave, especially when you're 2 years old, but we will still love you so, this little sweetheart of a boy.

Love,
Mom

P.S. I was serious about the two of us sneaking out tonight and running away for a little while. :)

The thumb

Do you see what this little boy is doing? That's right. He's sucking on his built-in pacifier. The one that doesn't fall out of his mouth, requiring someone to put it back in. Granted, his Nuk is replaced extremely quickly when his big sister is around, but if she isn't, Ian often has to wait, patiently. To be honest, he really could take or leave his pacifier most of the time, but the thumb. Oh, he loves the thumb. Really all his fingers. And lately mine, too.

I'll admit it's quite cute. I'll give him some time before I start thinking about future orthodontic bills...

The many faces of Ian

He looks suspicious in the last one...

Two Month Stats

Ian had his 2 month dr's appt this morning and got to show off his incredibly social nature and fabulous head control for Dr. M. He weighs 14 lbs, 5 oz and is 24 inches long, which are each at the 95th percentile (and equivalent to an average sized 4 month-old). He took his first set of vaccines like a champ, crying a little after the nurse wouldn't stop poking him (!), but he wasn't upset for very long. Just as with Audrey, he was unfortunately quite inconsolable later in the day, when the injection site swelled and became very red. As soon as the Tylenol kicked in though, he was back to being a smiley baby. Thankfully no more dr's appts (or shots!) for a couple months.

And, judging by the way he was eyeing the fork and spoon in one of his books this morning, I'm thinking he would like some real food soon!

I'd like to keep him little for a while longer though. :)

Two Months!

Look who's two months already! He should look like a well-rested little guy as he has been sleeping thru the night for the past 4 nights. He goes to sleep without problem, and we haven't been hearing a peep out of him after 7:30 PM. Ian continues to roll from belly to back when he wishes but doesn't seem too interested in rolling onto his belly. He smiles when he sees one of our familiar faces and has recently taken a strong liking to his older sister. He gives her a big grin when she comes into view and tries to find her when he hears her nearby. Audrey seems to do no wrong in his eyes. He loves whatever she does and is fascinated by all she can do.

Judging from the pictures, I'm glad to see that he still thinks I'm pretty entertaining, too.

Audrey & Ian - 6 weeks

I had been waiting for Ian to turn the same age as when I took Audrey's birth announcement picture. I can't believe how much they look alike! Love Ian's double chin! :)

Look what Ian got in the mail yesterday! Even President Obama is excited he's here!