Eating apples and counting to ten

Marcus

We went to the La Canada park in the morning. It had been awhile since we made the trip out there with just the two of us. By the time we were leaving, you were delirious and ready for your nap.

As I was watching you eat your apple before your nap, I wanted to absorb all, every bit, of your face. But there was too much joy, so much wonder and excitement in your eyes, your double dimples... too many things to take in all at once. I love this phase. I remember with your brother as well. That small window of a time when you haven't been tainted by discipline and you can be a free spirit that we appreciate.. since you can't cause too much destruction or disruption yet.

I changed you into a t-shirt before your nap. It's the first time you've worn one without scratching yourself since you were 5 months old. Thank God your eczema has gotten better. I don't know if it's conditioning from only wearing long sleeves for the past year, but you didn't scratch. Praise the Lord.

You're learning many words now. Most recently "Elmo" "McQueen" "Up"
You understand most of our commands. It's an amazing time when you are learning how to label items with words.

In our house, we count to 10. If there is something that needs to be done, we give you until 10. If you need to get ready for bed, put away your toys, etc. And if you don't do it by 10 by your own free will, you are just forced to do it our way (mom and dad's way). You understand that. Sometimes you even interject my counting with an "okaaaay". We go through the counting to 10 almost every night. I think you incorporate it into your own bedtime routine. You also rub your eyes and scratch both of your ears right before you fall asleep. As for me and your bedtime routine, I've recited the following to you every night since you were a few months old...

Because I love you very much my precious little one

Your hugs and smiles make each day bright, just like the shining sun

Because I love you, we find fun in every game we play

If there are little bumps, I like to kiss them all away

We love to dance through raindrops,

We splash in all the puddles

Then run inside to cuddle up for fairy tales and cuddles

Not everyday is sunshine, but everyday is fun, 

and everyday's the best because I love you little one.

God is so good - sing it 4x a night 

(with kisses in between the phrases during the 4th time.)

"koo jah time, good night, i love you."