Two

Dear Luca,



We celebrated your 2nd birthday party this weekend with a low key swimming party and BBQ at the Linton Army swimming pool. We've spent quite a bit of time here over the past year as the Army pool is practically deserted on the weekends, and has a massive warm toddlers area that is just perfect for learning to swim. The Army even put in an outdoor bbq area - I think we were the first people to officially use it. Shhh! don't tell anyone else, and maybe this little slice of free family fun will remains ours and only ours. Ha ha

It turned out to be rainy day, thank goodness the pool is indoors! After a swim session, we all went outside for lunch - in the rain!

Look at you in your styley new tracksuit top from Great Grandma Loomis and your new hat from Uncle Pete. You are growing up so fast.

You loved the attention that was showered on you by all your favourite family members and friends at the party. You had been to several 2nd birthday parties from your coffee group friends, so it was nice to actually celebrate it yourself. You know all the words to Happy Birthday and know exactly when to blow out the candle. You quite enjoyed the Hungry Catapillar cupcakes that I made you (it's one of your favourite stories...especially looking at the page with all the junk food on it) and you'll do just about anything when we bribe you with a cupcake. It's amazing that when you actually want something you'll listen to us. "Before you can jump in the shower and fun with Daddy you have to brush your teeth, or before you can have a cupcake we need to change your diaper...."as if on que, you'll go into your room and grab out a diaper and lay on the ground....




You can throw a good tantrum like any 2 year old, but except for the odd two hour screaming sessions in the middle of the night, you're generally very settled and content. Most of all you love to laugh, and we can't help but laughing with you. Your eyes sparkles, and your dimples show.

At two, you are just starting to form words into sentances. "Wake up Daddy. More yogurt please. Sit down now! (please). Help please. " You are a little parrot, and repeat everything we say and do. You are a ball of energy and are most entertained by trucks (anything motorized), electric drills and hammers, riding your trike, or kicking balls. You are a daddy's boy through and through. You two spend lots of time moving dirt around the garden, sitting on his motorbike, and pushing the lawnmowers around.

Daddy on Sausage Duty with your cousin Caydn

You are quite clever. At our 2 year old Plunket visit I couldn't help but beam with pride when the nurse quizzed you about the pictures in the book and you could name almost every object she pointed two. Sometimes you concentrate so hard on a task I can practically see the wheels turning in your head, and most recently this happens when you are playing with your trucks on your mat or when trying to work out how to open and close buckles. You've become quite fond of books, and we try to read to you as much as possible. Sometimes after we put you to bed we can hear you climbing out of bed and into the reading chair flipping through pages of your books - in the dark. When we confront you mins later - you honestly look suprised that you are meant to be in bed and not in your chair reading books. It's so cute, that it's hard to keep a straight face.

Lots of little friends came to help you celebrate including Flynn from Coffee group and Ryan. Good thing we had several spare trikes to share around.

I wish I could bottle up your sweetness and save it forever. My favourite part of the day is storytime before bed, and then the cuddle and night time kiss you give me as I tuck you in. I can't help but think how cute you look when you are sleeping. My baby boy is growing up.



I know that there are some big changes happening - including the arrival of a new sister or brother, and moving into a new house. We're been preparing you for the new sibling for a while now, but it will be interesting to see how you adapt to your big brother role.


You'll always be my special baby boy - I promise.

Happy Birthday Luca.

Love,

Mommy