Dear Camden (26 months)

Camden,

I'm sitting with a diaper on my head as I write this post. In fact, the diaper hat is what inspired this letter because it's one of those things I don't want to forget-- ever. It's certainly not one of my better fashion statements, but it's something that's important to you at this moment: every night now, you pick out character diapers for Daddy and me to wear as hats on our heads. Don't you worry-- you get one, too. But you always save Cookie Monster for yourself, which means that I am not allowed to let you actually wear Cookie Monster diapers for their intended purposes. They must be saved for hats. It doesn't matter what we're doing-- eating dinner, brushing our teeth, playing cars-- hats must be securely attached to our heads or we'll hear about it. I can only imagine what someone peering through our windows might think of us.

Who said the twos were terrible? I wish there was some way to bottle up every detail I love about you at this age and keep it forever. You make me laugh every night when I'm putting you to bed and you repeat "Dada, Mommy, me" in your monster voice over and over again. Another quirky but adorable part of your bedtime ritual? When I'm lying next to you, you gently touch my eyes, and then rub your face. Then you touch my cheeks, and rub your face. You do this several times while smiling. I always ask, "Camden, what are you rubbing on your face?" and you respond with a sweet, "Mommy."

Somewhere over the past couple of months, you became absolutely infatuated with trains (best known as choo-choos in this house). Your Pop came across a goldmine accidentally one day: a small Mom & Pop train store located in a rundown strip mall. It has become your absolute favorite place. We meet Nan & Pop for breakfast or lunch on a weekly basis, and then take the required trip to look at the choo-choos. You've got quite a few in your own collection now, and you'll notice in a heartbeat if one of them is missing (how you can account for every single one of them, I'll never know). They are  naptime and bedtime companions, and the first words out of your mouth in the morning are often, "Purple choo-choo?" or some variation of that question while you throw back covers in search of your constant companions.

You are starting to put some 3 word sentences together now and I just marvel at how far your speech has come when I hear you say, "Dirty green choo-choo" or "Night night blue car" while playing with your toys. For some reason, you've begun calling Maggie "Baby", which your Daddy and I find hilarious. You'll tell her "No, Baby!" when she's trying to get your food or you'll lovingly say, "Bye, Baby!" when we head out to go to the store. Where you came up with her new name is anyone's guess but I'm hoping it sticks around.

Your non choo-choo favorites at 26 months old? In no particular order, they include: Play-doh. Yo Gabba Gabba. Granola bars. Your cousin, Will (more affectionately known as Wawa). Pizza. Going to Nan & Pop's house. Dancing with Daddy. Playing outside (come on, Spring!). Riding your tricycle. "Emms!" (M&Ms). Playing cars. Helping Mommy cook.

You are such a sweet, funny, loving, and kind child. People are always commenting on your lack of tantrums and what a good listener you are. This, I always say, is 100% a credit to your laid back temperament and not any kind of Super Mom stuff on my part. Your Daddy and I often say that you are the perfect fit for our family, and we're so glad that you're ours.

I love you, little buddy.

Love,
Mommy

Just a typical night at our house.

Stunt man.

He's got the moves like...Daddy.