Jude: Two and a Half

Boy, you are so dang grown up, it kills me sometimes.  I took a picture of you and you look like you are 2 going on 5.  While you still have your high, squeaky voice-- now you talk full blown, complete sentences.  Near perfect pronunciation.  All that seems left to show your baby-ness is a little lisp when you say your S's.  You say things like, "Cuz I'm Jude......cuz, I'm not Jude.......but I'm Jude!" and you are very serious about it!  You are such a good listener (except when you need your diaper changed).  You are patient.  You are still my little buddy and follow me allll around the house.  You try to make everything either a horse or a slide.  You like to jump.  You pretend to be a baby, and tonight, I found you walking around with Leland's binky perfectly clipped to your shirt and popped into your mouth.  You love to open the fridge and get your own snack(s).  And then, food instantly becomes your toy--let's just say that many a pieces of cheese have also been pirate ships.  You make me things out of your pretend kitchen.  You lovvvvvvvve to fill up water with anything you can get your hands on--cups, random toys, anything.  And you lovvvvvvvve to run in circles around the kitchen and living room.  More and more, you play make believe.  Tonight, we were pilots on your bed, flying to the Dunnyland (ahem, Disneyland) and you let me push the "up" and "down" buttons.  Another night, I went in to feed Leland after you had just gone to bed, and I found you in bed, pointing your fist to the sky, making shooting noises.  Hide and seek is your jam--"You count to free and I'll hide." and then you'll cover your face with your hands or throw the covers over you.  When I get impatient with you, you say, "But Mom, cuz yourrrr not madddd."  or "I love you, Mommy."  Gets me every time.  Lately, you have started to get nightmares in your sleep, and you tell me it's too dark outside.  Daddy has been working soooo late that sometimes, I just let you sleep with me in the big bed.  You tuck up under the covers and get all sweaty, and I look at you and see my baby.  You have focus, and I have started to teach you some letters + sounds.  I can see you processing things.  You've got some sass, but not too much.  If you don't like something, you'll cross your arms real tight and say, "Hmmph.  No fair."  You are outgoing, and playful and as always, get cuter everyday.