You, Me & Baby C: Dom is 2

Happy Birthday Dominic Michael Curcio!

Your dad & I love how much you've changed our lives. You make us laugh every day, keep us on our toes & bring so much delight to the world around you. You've grown up so much in the past few months. You are still cautious & sweet. You like to analyze a bit before you jump into something. You're very careful about how & where you like your things. You've also discovered however you have definitely discovered choice & opinions! While at times it's trying, I love this in you. Gram Sam says that you're exactly like I was at 2 years old.

Likes:

•When Daddy comes home & plays with you. He tosses you on the bed and you sign/say "more more." you could do this all night!

• Playing with Lilah. Ever since you were 4 months old, Lilah has been delighting you. Now you can actually play tug of war with her & it's hilarious.

•Balls, blocks & legos. If we just had these 3 toys in life & no other toys, you would be happy. The blocks are from when I was a child, the collection of balls is in a giant basket you haul around & the legos are a new 2nd birthday present.

•Bathtime/Showertime: A favorite for you. You're a water baby like mommy & daddy.

•Planes: on walks, in the car... planes in the sky are an obsession. If you're ever upset, I"ll take you outside to look for birds or planes

•Drawing. You're adorable with your artwork. You come up to us, do the sign for drawing & say "daw? daw?" It's one of the most precious things you do. You'll move your crayons all around the house & they usually end up in the new pirate ship that Aunt Cami & Uncle Rich got for you.

•Swimming. You are a pro! 12 seconds underwater, independent kicking. Thank you Armando & Emler.

•Animals. Petting zoos, the zoo, anywhere we find animals is a fave spot. You're doing a great job with your animal noises. You always make me giggle with your light "roar" and throat "moo". It's pretty funny

•The playground - you and every other kid! the swings are your favorite

Dislikes:

•Brushing your teeth. You like to hold the brush, but you won't brush. We have to really work to get your teeth brushed.

•When mommy sings!

•Getting dressed (sometimes): If we give you plenty of options & you can make the decisions, we are usually good. Otherwise, look out world, here is Dominic & he is NOT happy.

•Putting away toys... it's as though you think they'll be gone forever. You can't even hear them being cleaned up in a different room or you'll run in & throw down an epic tantrum.

Daily activities:

•School: We all love your school & teachers, especially you. The other day we got to school a little late & everyone was walking in a circle on colored mats to "All You Need Is Love" in the background. It was the sweetest sight. Your current teacher Juliana is incredible. You run & give her a hug every morning. If you're ever sad at drop-off, she'll give you great cuddles. I also like that she's easy on you guys & bends the rules if you come in with a cup, snack or little token that you're not quite ready to part with.

• Eating. You're 50/50 on dinner these days, it's sometimes tough to get you to eat. Favorites: nuggets & honey, hot dogs, parmesan cheese, pine nuts, fruit (especially raspberries!) Gram Sam introduced you to fruit snacks & they are your new favorite treat.

•Talking: You're saying a lot of words including: mama (first word), dada, ihlah (lilac,) bir (bird,) moe (more), bububa (bubble bath), mil (milk) & lots more I can't think of right now. You're EXCELLENT with your signing. You sign to a lot more than you say. You'll come home from school each day signing new things. Daddy & I have to work to keep up with you.

Little love, thank you for making our lives so enriched. You're sunshine in the best pint sized package!

Happy 2nd birthday party! We served hot dogs & had an easy swim party. Aunt Cam flew in for the festivities! A lot of friends & family came including the Shempp boys, Jungs, Matt & Danielle, McDonoughs, Dowlings, and cousin Levi. It was a blast.