August 18, 2007

I know I'm a day late, but Happy Birthday Andersen. I don't even know where to begin...3 years ago you were just my little baby. Now you are my little man. You have changed so much, not only in the past 3 years, but more so in the last 6-8 months. It's ridiculous how smart you are. You know all the letters of the alphabet, you know all the sounds to those letters, and you know at least one word that starts with each of the letters. You now know how to spell 'stop' and 'go'. Since you were 2 you have known how to write the letter 'A'. You can count up to 15. You know all of your shapes and colors. You simply amaze your father and I to no end. Back in December we had your hearing and speech tested because your communication wasn't all that good. Luckily you qualified for 2 programs (thankfully for scholarship programs) and attened a group speech therapy class and a one-on-one session. Although you no longer go to your group, you still see Jody every week. Your speech has developed tremendously! Either the speech is working or you just developed at your own pace. Either way, it's hilarious what comes out of your mouth. We are so proud of how far you have come. While your speech was delayed, your gross motor skills have been off the charts. Any stranger who has seen your eye/hand coordination is impressed. Just today Hannah took you to the park. You threw a cup at a father of another child. Hannah went to apologize on your behalf and the gentleman said that she should never apologize for your arm! You still have no interest in any toys other than baseballs, bouncy balls, bats, basketballs, soccer balls etc...you don't care for cars; no interest in 'video games'; could care less about blocks, but if someone touches any sport related ball, you pout and throw a fit. You will play with anyone you can find...Curt, Paco (aka my dad), Tucker, strangers...anyone. People love your bleach blonde curly hair. You are still very active and don't relax much. You are a comedian...and love to tell your infamous knock knock joke. You hate strawberries but love cantelope. You can't get enough watermelon...even the digusting rind. You love your puff cereal (frosted mini wheats), love milk, and anything chocolate. You have been sleeping in a big boy bed and do great! Potty training...well, not so good. Somedays you'll go all day by yourself. Other times you'd rather throw a fit if someone has to take you. You absolutely don't care if you pee your pants. You actually fight me to get them off...but then again, you were never a baby to care if your diaper was dirty. But I believe you'll 'get it' at your own time just like you did with your speech. Your father and I are so proud of you. You are the best thing that has happened to us. I cannot imagine my life without you. Happy birthday 'Dash'...