34 Months

Goose,

After the abysmal attempt at making a Gingerbread house last year, I decided that we were going to give it our all.  (If you don't remember, you were impatient to decorate and we ended up rushing the process a bit.  The whole house collapsed about 5 minutes after we were finished.)  This year we waited for it to dry before decorating.  We made a trip to the store and bought all kinds of fabulous candy.  Gummy worms, jelly beans, Reeses Pieces (which I ate), Peanut Butter Cups, Peppermints.  The works.  I have to admit, you are very talented and very creative.  And this year our house sits proudly on your dresser.  You ask, almost, every morning when will it be time to eat it.  I don't think you can quite fathom that we wasted all that fabulous candy on a house that you don't eat.

When I found out I was pregnant, Gammy made a blanket statement that she didn't want any stuffed animals in the house.  This was due to years and years of trauma having 3 stuffed animal loving hoarders.  Then once we got Pup, all the lone stuffed animals became chew toys and eventually disappeared.   On your last day of school, your teachers gave you a lovely stuffed penguin as a gift.  You unwrapped it with such glee.  But once you got it out of the package you burst into tears.  "Its a Pup toy!!!  Where's MY toy??"  I finally got you to calm down after I explained that your teachers didn't know we have a stuffed toy destroyer and I am sure you will get a ton of more presents for Christmas.  And maybe some cars.  Or legos.  Or trucks.  Or puzzles.  I have left it in the car because I am sure it will start another round of hysterics when Pup starts ripping out the stuffing.

I have been pretty busy lately organizing this advent series at church based on Harry Potter.  Its called Wizards and Wonders and the kids have really been getting a kick out of it.  St. John's is so like Hogwarts already, we didn't have to do much.  I have been bringing you with me while I set up, then Gammy picks you up on her way home.  I was getting you ready to leave on Wednesday while explaining the game plan (you like to be informed).
"No thanks. I want to come with you."
"But sweetie, I think it might be a little boring for you.  You will have more fun staying home with Gammy."
"No thanks.  I want to be your big helper."
This went on for 5 minutes until I caved.  I wasn't too sure about your sparkling behavior.  Earlier in the day, I brought you with me to our staff lunch.  You did really great, falling asleep on my lap after finishing your mac and cheese, and I was positive my luck was going to run out.  But I figured that it was a children's program and that maybe the other kids would distract you enough to give me some room to work.  I am so glad I brought you.  Yes, you had a mild meltdown around 8:30 but that is to be expected so late.  You loved running around with the kids.  You even told me that I needed to sit at another table because, obviously, I was cramping your style during dinner when you were sitting next to this beautiful 6 year old girl, Leigh.  You were the youngest kid but kept pace with all the others.  Even holding hands around the tree, trying to sing Christmas carols.  When talking about our fears, you said you didn't have any because you were brave and that when we hold hands, you make me brave too.  (Tear....)  The next day when I was giving you a snack you said "God is great, God is good.  I-am."  I asked you to repeat that, which you did.  I tried to correct you on the "I-am" is Amen part but you are quite convinced its "I-am".  You said you learned it at the church.  Thats really "cool dude".  (As you would say.)

I love you everyday,
Mom

PS.....Its almost Christmas.  I CANNOT WAIT to see your face on Christmas morning.  I am so excited, I can hardly stand it.  All this crazy running around is so worth it.