We are in full potty training mode. I never thought I would talk so much about #1 and #2 in my life. Most of our family conversations revolve about this topic. I don't know why, but a lot of these questions come around mealtime: Are you still dry? Do you need to use the potty? When was the last time you used the potty? Do you need to use the potty again?
Potty, potty, potty.
It's working though. You are going days without an accident and almost exclusively wear pull-ups. We have tried "big kid underwear" a few times with mixed results. The first time you went #2 in the potty we made a huge deal out of it. We will probably be less excited when you graduate from college, get married, or have your own child. The celebration was at level 11. We have been incentivizing you successfully with mini M&Ms after a good deed, but for the #2 we took you to Safeway to get a balloon as you requested. I'll never forget the look on the young man assisting us as he held the baby blue balloon and had to bear witness and stand in frame for a full on-camera interview about why you were getting the balloon from him. He was like "WTF." We were like "#2 FTW!"
YOU WERE STOKED. So were your Mom and I. We have been dirty diaper factory workers these past months between the production of you and your brother. The union wants to reduce their hours.
You continue to entertain me with all of your mannerisms. You baby-talk to Matteo the way that Mom and I do. Your voice is already so tiny it's baby-baby talk. When I come home from work you give me a big hug and small-chat with me, asking how my day was and explaining yours. It's so darn cute. On the other end, you're incredibly demanding for any bedtime routine. You ask to be covered up. You ask for chocolate milk. You ask to turn on your blue light. When I say "ask," I mean you scream these demands at us from your room. Such a little dictator.
The last couple weeks we have gone to the indoor swimming pool at People's Park. You are a strong, confident swimmer (with a lifejacket). I honestly love it because you're really inclined to hang on me in the water.
I continue to take in all of these events -- the celebratory potty, the after-work small-talk, the swim dates -- and enjoy them in the moment. It's easy to be distracted or apathetic out of exhaustion, but I only need to look at Matteo to see how fast your little life has moved along. It's sometimes challenging to stay present and attentive while making sure not to miss or set-up the next one around the corner. You keep us on our toes, kiddo.
Love always, Dad