happy 2nd birthday, ethan!

my first little guy is two years old! it is hard to believe that i am a mom to a two year old. it has been a wonderful two years! ethan has grown into such a little person now with his own very independent personality. he has his 2 year well-baby visit on january 14th, so i'll update with his stats then.

some of my favorite things ethan is doing right now:
1. loves to "rock a bye" before bed with a book. he has become quite the little snuggle bug.
2. talking up a storm. he loves to repeat things and will pretty much try to say everything you ask him to.
3. sitting at the table with us for meals and just in general. i know he doesn't stay there very long and sometimes it can get messy, but it is such a nice change from the high chair and it really feels like he is part of the meal now.
4. is a little helper. he loves to help carry the groceries in and is especially helpful with miles and getting diapers, binkies and burp clothes when asked.
5. just the fact that he is becoming his own little person with this huge personality. he can definitely be frustrating and trying at times, but he is also just such a loveable little guy and with a smile and laugh or a "love you, mama" can help you forget all of the craziness and tough times.

some of ethan's favorite things right now:
1. the top item on this list is definitely jammies! he HATES taking off his jammies in the morning. throws the biggest tantrum. he has certain pairs he likes more than others, but generally is ecstatic to put on any pair of jammies.
2. he ADORES thomas the train - the tv show and any and all trains and tracks.
3. he loves to play with coins and i made him a little bank to keep it in. he even knows pennies now, but thinks that all silver money is a dime. we're working on it.
4. books - he will sit and read entire books with me now. some of his favorites are perfect picnic with bert and ernie, the very hungry caterpillar and the fire engine book.
5. counting. he can count up to 10 (though he starts at 2 most of the time) without any prompting. his favorite number is 6. he loves to say it and also for me to write it out for him.

we were on our road trip to colorado on ethan's birthday, so here he is celebrating that morning at the hotel in pueblo, co.