Dear Breck

Dear Breck,
I just wrote a letter to your sister for her to read years later and now it's your turn. Mommy is not great at writing things down, but I want to at least once a year capture some memories that I know will escape both of us in future years.

You are such a fun, talented and creative little boy. You are stubborn and emotional at times, but your heart is pure and I love to watch you develop into your own.

Things you love: video games (Star Wars lego and other lego ones, Daddy's games like battlefield and halo, Minecraft), legos - you are awesome at building them like they are "supposed to be" but also turning them into your own creations later (which sometimes drives Mommy crazy but she's trying to let you have that creative outlet!), Star Wars, gun battles, sometimes reading with mom, trying new sports (soccer, tennis, karate, tball, running, basketball - haven't quite found your true love yet as you'd rather play video games or with your legos), swimming, playing with Nolan, Adi

Things you don't love so much: going to school, bed time, sleeping by yourself, that dad won't let you get a hamster or guinea pig, hearing "no," having to be patient, getting dressed and brushing your teeth, sharing with your sister and being patient with her

You've had a busy year trying lots of different sports and you really took off in the pool this year, finally swimming on your own after a lesson in Arizona over spring break. We went to the pool a lot this summer and I had fun exploring around Colorado Springs with you and your sister this summer.

You're growing into a smart young man and growing up too fast. I want you to forever by my little boy but I know you'll be my "little" man soon. I love you bubba.

End of another year approaching

My dearest Bryn,
I hope when you grow up and see that your baby book is not quite filled up or that I didn't blog that often, you don't think it's because you weren't precious to me. In fact baby girl, time with you is so precious that taking time to write about it is not high on the priority list. But I did want to take this time at the end of another year with you to write down some thoughts for me to remember what this time was like for you and me - and for you to read some day and know how very much I loved you.

You are so your own little person, but yet there is so much of your brother and me in you too. Sweet, yet stubborn. Laid back yet emotional at times too. Your laugh and smile is infectious and as long as you get your way, it is present often.

Things you love: your shoes, purses, hats, hairbands (but only taking them on and off - you won't leave them in), when anyone you love comes home or to pick you up at daycare (your smile lights up the room), "reading" books, "talking" on mommy or daddy's cell phone, messing with brother's toys, climbing on the doggies, cheese, yogurt, tortillas, ice cream, juice ("deuce), your stuffed monkey, blankets - lots of blankets ( you make us carry them from the crib downstairs and back daily), stacking toys, music, dancing, spinning around in circles to make yourself dizzy, playing peek a boo, chasing brother

Things you hate: sharing, mommy leaving, not getting what you want when you want it, most foods (surviving on nuggets, hot dogs, cheese, yogurt and sometimes fruit mostly), not getting to go bye bye if others are going.

Vocabulary: mine (first clear word with meaning behind it), mommy, daddy, Adi (all animals are called Adi including Zoe, our other dog), deuce (for juice), away (throw something away), bye bye, hi, cheese -- sign language - more, please, all done.

It has been such a fun year with you. I loved having summer off with you and Breck this year - lots of time at the pool and park watching you blossom into a full blown toddler. You now absolutely love going up and down the slide.

Christmas was so fun. Last year neither you or I were walking yet (me from foot surgery). This year you could run all over and you did. You liked getting new toys but were just as happy looking at old ones too. Santa scared you this year and you didn't really get what Christmas was but you had fun any way. I bet next year you will understand it a little more and get why brother was so excited about it.

I love you sweet girl. You've made my heart so full.