If I really wanted to appropriately capture your 23rd month, I would actually begin this letter with "Dear Use-Your-Words-Graham" as I think we likely said that to you more during your 23rd month than we said your name alone. Yes, this marked the month that we arrived at the tricky stage where whining is so much easier for you to speak and so much harder on your mommy and daddy to hear. But, our persistence in
In addition to telling you to use your words, I often would tell you that "babies cry, but big boys use words" and then would ask you if you were a baby or a big boy. You always would smile and say "big boy," but now any time we see a baby or mention a baby, the first thing you say is "cry." This may present a challenge if we ever decide to make you a big brother.
During your 23rd month your daddy and I quite possibly lost our minds and decided to take our first true family vacation independent of extended family, although we did work some family time in at the end of our trip. This "vacation" involved being gone for eight nights, sleeping in four different locations, driving for 12 hours and flying for four hours. Yes, I plead insanity and would ask you with your newfound words to kindly say "beach vacation" if your daddy and I ever contemplate something like this again.
All kidding aside, we had an amazing time. We flew into Nashville, TN, where we picked up our rental car and then headed to see mommy's best friend Krista and her husband Griff in Asheville, NC. We spent a night with them, in which we somehow crammed dinner out, a baseball game, a neighborhood walk, your first rendevous with lightening bugs and lots of time looking at their chickens. Funny, I think the chickens are the only thing you remember today, because when I talk to Krista on the phone, you say "chickens."
From there we headed out to Charlotte for three nights and four days. We wanted to explore the city and get to know a bit more about it. By the time we arrived in Charlotte, you pretty much hadn't napped for two days straight, because apparently you're the only person in the world that doesn't get drowsy when riding in a car. So all of these drives that we conveniently planned during your naps had no impact on you actually taking a nap. This made you such a joy to be around that your daddy kindly nicknamed you the angry midget.
Once we got you back on a somewhat normal sleeping schedule, you were awesome. We swam in the pool, explored neighborhoods and yummy restaurants , played at local parks and checked out a children's museum that was spectacular.
The museum was divided like a city would be, with a bank, a fire truck, a vet, a post office, etc. You were enjoying all of it, and then we found the trains. And boy, you did not want to leave those trains. So much so that we eventually had to carry you out of it kicking and screaming because you didn't want to leave. Yes, we were those people.
After three nights in Charlotte, we stopped for a night again in Asheville before heading back to Tennessee. We went to a local brewery that had outdoor seating and you entertained yourself by throwing rocks into a puddle. Over and over, you'd find a rock, pick it up and throw it down. It was one of those fascinating times that I see you do something and I wonder just how you even knew to do that.
Following a quick night in Asheville we were on the road again (fun!) to Mursfreesboro, TN to see your Papa and Nana and Uncle Sean and Sam. Papa and Nana were nice enough to volunteer to watch you while your daddy and I went to night one of the CMA Music Fest concert. It was so much fun that we forgot to take pictures. (That actually sums up much of our time in Nashville.)
The next day we headed to Nashville to stay in a hotel for the rest of the CMA Music Fest. We had a babysitter watch you on Friday night and your Uncle Sean and Sam kindly agreed to wake up with you on Saturday morning. I don't quite think they anticipated that being around 5:15, but they kept your word and took you to the park across the street. After mommy and daddy got a few more hours of sleep, we took you to the same park, where they had a train and an airplane. Yes, you were in heaven.
Following naps (for all of us!) we went back to the park for an afternoon concert series they were hosting. We stumbled upon a kids' tent that had lots of toys to entertain you while the music entertained your daddy.
This was until you saw the booth handing out balloons. And you, of course, wanted one. But, that wanting one did not include wanting it tied to your wrist, stroller or having mommy or daddy hold any part of the string. And so you learned an important life lesson.
Listen to your mommy and daddy.
Love,
Mommy
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