Getting to know you

My Nephew Jake,

I am so happy that you are here with us in Florida this week! While your Mommy works (and you know she'd much rather be here playing with us), we have been getting some quality time with YOU! We have loved watching you and Adam interact and take share toys with one another. The two of you are Double Trouble, already following what the other is doing and working together to effectively destroy a room! I'm a little afraid of what you'll be like together at 2, 3, 6, 16.... Ok, that's it, just STOP growing up, you two!

These last few  days have given me an opportunity to learn more about you, to fill in the gaps of where your Mommy's stories and pictures leave off. I've heard the antedotes and milestones but that's nothing compared to observing and interacting with you. Here are a few things I've discovered about you:

* You giggle like crazy at bubbles
* You put your hands over your ears when you've eaten all the food on your tray
* You love oranges and grapes, but not so much chicken and bananas
* You are quite determined -- you will try to squeeze through a small space to get what you want
* You can say "da" for dog. (I'm waiting to hear you say Ball and Book, too!)
* You have a fascination with ceiling fans. You point and say "d-A" at the fan. (Hmmm, "da" seems to be your word of choice. Are you saying "That" when you point?)
* You squeal when you're frustrated or stuck in an awkward position
* You love to splash, splash, splash in the bathtub and drink the water straight from the faucet
* You will sweetly sit in my lap and listen to me read you a book. Please teach your cousin to sit so quietly!
* When you don't feel well you just want to be held, cuddled and loved on. (And we happily oblige!)
* You love to get dirty! Whether it's dirt or sand, you just want to put your hands in it.
* Your face lights up when you see your Mommy. I sure hope Adam has the same expression when he sees me.
* You are so good at sharing. Whether it's toys or food, you hand it off so sweetly. When I tell your cousin not to take toys away from you, you generously hand it to him regardless. 


I'm sure there is a dozen more little personality quirks that I will discover about you in our last few days together. I've loved loving on you, and when you go home, I know you won't remember our good times, but I sure hope you'll remember Aunt Mindy. Come back soon!

Love, Aunt Mindy