To Owen: at 27 months

You are TWO, in every sense of the word. You are fearless, tireless, ridiculous, every day. And every day I love you even more.

When you were one, everyone commented on what a happy boy you were. Now the most common phrase we hear is, "What a good vocabulary he has." It's so true. You pick up so much and so quickly it's scary. Daddy and I have of course had to temper our own vocabulary to prevent you from gleaning too much too soon. And while most two-year-olds are adept at adding noun + verb, you're throwing around adverbs like it's nobody's business. Granted, they're not quite correct (like "go up da stairs fastly"), but I'm not keeping score.

You love to be naked, and revel in any chance to strip down. Once we say the word "bath," you quickly start undressing ... even if you're in the kitchen ... to prepare. Earlier this week, you stripped down, took off your diaper, ran to the stairs, then looked back at me with the sassiest grin ever, hands on hips, and said "Hey naked boy!"

You still sleep with Bear, and you still love to read. We recently re-discovered the Mercer Meyer books, and you can't get enough of them. Sometimes we read them two and three times. Every night before bed, you give mommy and daddy a "big hug and a big kiss," and tell The Bean goodnight by pulling up my shirt and sticking your finger in my belly button. Nice. But I love it all the same. You've settled nicely into the "new house," and love to play in the basement. Your favorite toys are still ladders and vacuums, Daddy's cordless drill and Mommy's miniature hammer (I know, we should be nominated for these choices), and you've created an elaborate "puzzle" in the basement with an old baby gate. You have quite the imagination.

You've graduated from the high chair into the "big boy chair" (aka the barstool at the kitchen island where we eat), and you insist on drinking out of a "big boy cup," even though you spill it 9 times out of 10 (intentionally mind you; thank you for those messes). :)

You start daycare tomorrow, and let me tell you how anxious I am. Not that I don't trust or believe in the facility - they seem fantastic. But you've spent the past two years with Gram, and I know it's going to be hard on you both to let go. Daddy and I are both taking you in to school tomorrow, and tonight we're be packing your diapers and toothbrush and rain boots to leave there. It's quite the milestone for all of us.

I love you munchkin. It's been an amazing 27 months ...