Dear Jude,
Not only have you turned two and a half, but by the time I get around to publishing this post, you’ll be well on your way to (Oh. My. God.) being three years old. Dear Lord. I don’t remember signing up for this.
In late October, we celebrated Halloween with you for the first time since you were born. You dressed up as Remy (“Little Chef”) from Ratatouille and spent the evening at a Halloween block party that took place about two blocks from our house. Though your costume was simple, I wasn’t sure that you’d keep it on. I shouldn’t have worried; you loved wearing your apron and chef’s hat, and you loved getting whiskers and a little pink nose painted on your face as well. We didn’t go door-to-door to trick or treat this year, but since you don’t eat candy (and since Papa and I don’t need to eat any candy), I don’t think it was a big loss. Next year you’ll get the full experience. Promise.
Chicago can’t seem to decide if it’s in the end of Spring, the middle of Fall, or the beginning of Winter. Day-to-day temps have been unpredictable over the last month. Some days we stay cuddled up inside under blankets and watching movies; other days we’re outside from sunup to sundown in nothing more than jeans and long-sleeved shirts. Despite the wacky weather patterns and the cold temperatures, I’ve been doing my best to get us outside for at least a few minutes each day. You have an overwhelming amount of energy these days, and getting you outside is really the only way I’ve come up with to let you work it all out.
I’m not sure exactly when it began, but you’ve starting singing your ABCs sometime in the not too distant past. “L M N O P” trips you up a bit, but otherwise, you’re (nearly!) spot-on. Recently, while traveling on the El, you led an ABC sing-along. Two boys who were quite a few years older than you joined in. Papa and I smiled and their parents laughed. I’m not sure how the other passengers felt about the impromptu performance, but I thought it was wonderful!
Lately I’ve noticed that we have things that resemble actual conversations. I can’t say they’re very deep or philosophical, but you’ve gone from supplying me with one or two words to speaking in close to full sentences. You seem to understand what I’m saying more often than not. We’re making more decisions together. It’s really wonderful. Really.
Thanksgiving just passed and we’ve moved on to the season of Advent. Christmas is (as of today) twenty-five days away. I love this time of year, Jude, and I love that you’ll actually be able to really enjoy some of it this year. I love the sights and the smells and the feelings of Christmas. I love cooking and baking and celebrating this wonderful time of year with our family and friends. I can’t wait to watch you bask in magic of it all.
Love,
Mama
for Jude for Christmas… Remind me that this was my idea when I’m cursing about the noise two weeks after Christmas.
for Jude for Christmas from my mom. It looks great to me… what do you think?
to Jude’s Christmas List. I have a feeling that this winter is going to be a chock-full of painting and other art projects!
by 
