Dear Aidan,
 |
| Hop on, Mama! |
I think I'm losing weight. I think it's because you're such an active little bunny. Now that you're walking so comfortably, you're attempting to run. If not to try and catch a whizzing motorbike, then to try on a neighbour's tricycle in the car-park. You have no concept of size yet, of course, so even an adult's bicycle is fair game for your sudden interest in and obsession with modes of transportation.
 |
| Don't these things move? |
At the shopping centre, trolley rides have become a must. You've also tested a stationary animatronic ride for seat comfort. And you've just about busted Mama's kneecaps traipsing up and down staircases.
 |
| I like this car a lot |
But you're also beginning to say 'Papa' and 'Mama' apart from a whole bunch of other words. And you've learnt how to kiss us. Joy, joy, joy.
 |
| And I knight thee, Papa! |
Mama's been encouraging you to drink more water but the force of the camel in you is strong. Luckily, you're getting thirstier by the day with the kind of decathlon you're busying us all with. Food-wise, you're hitting a growth spurt and demolishing tomato-based pastas, pumpkin and pea soups with cheese sandwiches, soupy noodles and steamed white rice with braised chicken bits on top of the fish and chicken porridge you already eat. On the other hand, your dislike for mashed, mushy stuff is growing exponentially. So it's no thank you when it comes to mashed potatoes and sweet potatoes and blended peas. Figures, as you now prefer your apples and pears fresh too, not steamed soft.
 |
| I gotta finish ALL of it? |
To be frank, we're not sure where all the food goes because you're still lean as a lamp stand. The only bit chubby about you are your cheeks. So if you're wondering why Papa and Mama sometimes calls you Mr. Cheeks, wonder no more.
 |
| Buds, buds, come to Aidan, buds... |
 |
| They like to hide from me... |
 |
| The spade's just another fancy name for giant spoon, right? |
 |
| I need sand right now. Where's the beach? |
Playtime is a lot more fun now that you are enjoying the outdoors even more. In our little yard, you like watering the plants, picking up fallen pussy willow buds and pebbles and putting them into plastic containers, and fiddling with the sandcastle bucket of tools we just got you.
 |
| Ok, so you found me. I'm still not bathing! |
 |
Forcing me to bathe is counter to
my basic right to stay smelly! |
Bath time, however, is becoming a bit of a challenge, I must say. These days, the word sends you running off to hide somewhere you think I can't find you. But Mama knows your favourite corner. It's the same spot in your bedroom where you like to cry when you're unhappy. Aw, honey, nobody likes to be clean at your age. But think of how you'll smell when you want to pick up the ladies if you choose to boycott showers until you're 18? Not a great mental picture, right?
 |
| Welcome back, Melrose and Croc! |
Bedtime is no excuse for you to sleep. No, no, no. Bedtime is more playtime! That must explain why you're jumping on beds and laughing like a hyena once we slip you into your pyjamas. And why we need longer, more engaging stories now to help wind you down before you settle into bed. In fact, Mama has started singing more lullabies after lights out to ensure Mr. Adrenaline stays down.
 |
| Shall we dance on the ceilings? |
