Two.

DREW IS TWO!

Weight: 25ish pounds (we go to the doctor on the 15th)

Height: At least 33 inches. I know this because you had to be at least 32 inches to ride Autopia at Disneyland and you exceeded the sign by an inch, if not more.

Clothing size: 24 months in sets / 2T in shirts / 18 months in pants / 7 shoes

Potty Training: You are just about there, little man. You are still trying to figure out how to use the pull ups, but as far as the potty goes, you have it completely mastered. So proud of you!

Eating: You are exactly like your dad when it comes to eating... you love everything, but you are rarely hungry and have zero interest in sitting down to eat. There are days where your only source of food comes from me chasing you around, shoving it in your mouth every chance I get. You boys!

Sleep: You have been sleeping through the night since you were 15 months old, right around the time dad and I got a little bit of our sanity back. :)

Milestones: Seriously? What aren't you doing these days? You communicate with us so well; most of the time in complete, understandable sentences, but every now and then you'll get really passionate about something and go off on a rant in a language only you understand. You count to twelve- yes, twelve- often times only counting the odd numbers, which we find strange incredible. You love knowing what everything is and ask us 'Wasssat ting?' close to a hundred times a day. You are such a parrot and repeat e.v.e.r.y.t.h.i.n.g we say. Everything. We have to ask you questions over and over again until you finally realize we want an answer, at which point you'll give us. The other day I asked you 'what color is this?' only to have you repeat 'color is dis?'. Finally after the fifth time asking (and you repeating) you said 'ohhhh. issss bue.' You make us laugh, Drew. As far as physical development, you have grown leaps and bounds this year. You have gotten so much taller, and are such a great little athlete. You began doing summersalts at about 15 months, at which point I immediately called to put you into a gymnastics class in Hanford. We go every Tuesday and you absolutely love it. You are currently learning how to do a back roll. You have all of your teeth and are currently cutting your two year molars.

Holidays/Events: You were a monkey this year for Halloween and dad & I were bananas. We took you to Disneyland last week (12/4-5) and you absolutely loved it. The image of your eyes lit up with wonder will be engrained in my heart & soul forever.

Dislikes: Sticky hands. Things out of order. When the dogs eat your food. Getting out of the bath. Sleeping with blankets.

Loves: Making people laugh. Spiderman. Jake and the Neverland Pirates. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. Motorcycles. Grandparents. Cars. Trucks. Singing (Jingle Bells is your current fave). Fruit ropes. Mandarin oranges. Hot dogs. Dark chocolate. Drinking coffee (hot chocolate) when you wake up. Looking at Christmas lights. 'Driving'. Bath time. Gymnastics. Jumping on your bed. Jumping on anything. Bubby the Elf. Balloons. Outside. Drawing.


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Dear Drew,

I know it sounds cliche to say 'I can't believe it,' but I just really can't. You are two, sweet boy. Two.

The past two years of your life have been the absolute best of mine. Your dad & I are completely infatuated with you, and here are a few reasons why.

You are fierce. Everything you do, you do wholeheartedly with a passion like I've never seen. The simple act of walking is rarely an option these days. If you have a place you want to go, you run your fastest to get there, arms swinging forcefully. And don't even get me started on your love for play-wrestling with your dad. It is easily one of my favorite sights to see. Your scrunched up 'wrestle face' is one for the books. You go full speed in all that you do and I hope you never stop.

Your passion for life is infectious. My dream for you is to do something one day that will allow you to fuel that passion, not dim it.

You are vocal. From knowing how to say a handful of words to communicating with us in complete sentences, you are coming close to mastering this whole speaking thing. A few of my favorite sentences that you've said clearly are 1.) 'Broccoli smells like farts' (you can thank your dad for that one) 2.) 'Mama turn on hot water peez' (it was one of your longest to date and it sounded so sweet and grown up) AND 3.) 'I love you, so much, so much' (I just die every time). I will never tire of listening to you speak, Drew Cohen, it is my favorite sound in the world.

Our words are one of our most powerful tools in this life. I pray you never underestimate the power of your voice; what you have to say is worth hearing. Always rember that.

You are kind. You say please & thank you. You bow your head to pray. You give hugs and kisses if you think someone is sad or hurt. You say your sorry. You care for everything around you, even the plants and animals. One of my fondest memories of you this year is the day you found a snail in the backyard. I am terrified of snails, so when you picked it up I ran away screaming and begged 'no, no, put it down.' You got a kick out of my terror, and then after a few moments I could tell that you were bothered by the fact that I was scared of such a disgusting harmless creature. You gently grabbed my hand and said 'isss okay. Mama do it?' and you softly placed the snail on the top of my hand against my will. As much as I wanted to flick it off and scream, I kept it there because the look of satisfaction in your eyes was worth it. You had helped me overcome a fear of mine and you knew it. You just want everyone to be loved and be happy. Your heart is the purest of them all.

Kindness changes attitudes, changes lives, and has the power to change the world. Be kind at all costs and you will always win no matter what the outcome may be.

......

Drew. I could spend all day writing out individual traits about you that I adore, because I love every single thing about you.  Being your mom is my greatest joy, my finest accomplishment, my hearts desire. You are all my dreams come to life.

The greatest display of God's love for me is you.

I love you so much, handsome. You have displayed nothing but patience, grace, and love towards your dad and I as we've navigated through our first years of parenthood; failing miserably many times. You have taught us so much about life and the way that we should live it, and opened our eyes to a whole new world we never knew existed. Thank you.

You are a treasure from heaven, Drew Cohen. I can't wait to see all that year two has in store for you.

I love you to the moon, little buddy.

xo Mama