Ben is 2!

Big Ben, how in the world are you a 2 year old?  It seems impossible to us that you are that old already, but to every stranger that sees you, you are much older.  In fact, the most common question I get from strangers is asking if you and Kaylynn are twins.  Then I get a shocked look when I explain that you are 2 years younger.  You are so tall.  So tall.  You are as big as Kaylynn was when she was 3 - height and weight.  In 1 year, you went from a size 5 shoe to a size 9.  I really think that your fast growth is what slowed you down in the walking department, being almost 17-18 months when you started walking - it hasn't been a whole year yet.  You are still a bit wobbly at some things, like stairs.  

We always thought that with your talkative sister, you wouldn't be able to get a word in, but you have proved us wrong.  Your vocabulary is expanding by leaps and bounds each day.  It is funny to me how all parents can understand their own kids gibberish, but not that of others, as I find myself translating for you, but to your dad and I, you sound as clear as day.  I can't even begin to write down little words or phrases that you are saying, because if we say it, you say it.  My absolute favorite of late is "oh, sure."  Like, "Ben, can you go throw away this stinky diaper?"  With enthusiasm, you say, "Oh, sure!"  

As of favorites - books and puzzles.  I am fairly certain your sister was just like this, too.  All you want is someone to play puzzles with you - "pay puzzles wif me."  It's sweet and sad at the same time.  When there are tons of kids around, all you want to do is be somewhere quiet, preferably with mama or daddy playing or reading.  You are also a huge fan of firetrucks and hippos.  You'd go to the zoo everyday if you could.  We have been 2 times this fall and you always remind me (shaking your head "no") "see any hippos" - meaning you didn't see any hippos.  We will find them one day, buddy.  One day.

With Kaylynn nearing 4, and her 4 year old attitude rising, she has said some not-nice things to her dear ole' mom.  But sweet boy, you always tell me, "you no mean mama."  But you, too, try to push you limits, but respond pretty well to the 1,2,3 bit.  You also have started sticking up for yourself to Kaylynn a bit.  I don't like the hitting, but do like to see that you aren't going to be walked all over.  

To sum up, Ben, you are quite possibly the best little boy for us!  We love everything about you - from your wild and crazy hair (LOVE!), your lip smacking kisses (literally, you smack your lips after you touch our cheek - cute!), your squeezes, snuggles, belly laughs, your "I sowwe, Kayin's", your "I wuv you, toos", you giant feet, big blue eyes, your praying hands (so, so, so precious), your "amens", your song singing, EVERYTHING!  

I can't wait to see who you are going to become (just don't be in a hurry, ok?)  I pray that you will continue to thrive, love to read, be lovable, respectful, love Jesus, and grow to be a strong, sensitive man.  Don't let anyone tell you that you are just a mama's boy - you are so much more!  We both love you to pieces!

Love,

Mama.