Quite a long time ago, Jude learned that the beeping sound that occurs within about fifteen minutes of him waking up in the morning was a signal that Mama’s coffee was ready. At first he would exclaim “Coffee!” when he heard it; now each day he walks over and informs me, “Coffee ready, Mama!” I think it’s really wonderful and really ridiculous.
I’m a fairly permissive parent. I think having fun and playing are really important in life, and I try to fill Jude’s days with as many “yeses” and as few “nos” as possible. That said, I still can’t find it in me to give him a cup of coffee when he asks for it. Lucky for me, he doesn’t mind settling for tea.
For the past week or so, Jude has been drinking upwards of two cups of chamomile tea a day. He doesn’t drink a cup all at once. Often times he’ll request it early in the morning (I think it helps him feel connected to Josh and me while we enjoy our coffee) and he won’t finish it until nap time. His second cup often accompanies lunch but is rarely entirely finished by bed time.
It makes me chuckle and smile every time we go into a cafe and Jude says, “Coffee, Mama. Jude, tea.” I love that he waits patiently while the liquid cools and that he blows into the cup each time before taking a sip. When Jude was little, I would often daydream about taking him to a cafe, perhaps weekly, to have a cup of coffee (me) and do some coloring (him). Lately, Josh and Jude have started having Papa/Son trips to our local comic book store, and after picking out a new issue or trade paperback, they like to go and sit down with their new acquisitions and a sweet treat or special drink at The Common Cup.
And I guess this is just another way of saying that Jude is growing up–getting bigger and developing a more refined palette(?). I’m still pretty heartbroken to not have a newborn or a baby anymore, but this having a toddler thing is really opening up a lot of new doors for having fun. I think I like it.
movie 
And, as much as I hate that you love that video, or videos in general, I love watching you watch that movie. I love seeing your reaction when Larry the Cumber comes on screen. I love it when you laugh at “Randolf” and “Todo Baggypants” at the beginning of the film. I love how you sway back and forth to the VeggieTales theme song. I love everything about you. Have you picked up on that?
earlier this month, and at the end of last week, I was (finally) able to put it together for you. I think I might love this piece of furniture more than you do, Monkey! I love having you at counter-height. I love that you can watch what I’m doing and that I can include you in the work I have to do in the kitchen. You simply love to be in the middle of things. You love playing with your toys on the counter and you love helping me cook and bake.
and 
both by 
and I think you would enjoy some of his other books as well.
