Our darling son turned two on December 12th. He is not so much a baby anymore. Those chubby legs, arms and cheeks have melted away and he looks so much more like a boy now. He is a smart, independent, sweet, loving, charming and still very cuddly little boy. He is very much in charge of his world and yet he still likes mama close by. You may call him a mama's boy --and that is fine by me, thank you very much!
One of our favorite personality traits in him is his sense of humor . He loves to laugh (just like mama!) So much so that he ends up hiccuping, and on a few occasions, spitting up his last meal or beverage! He finds so many things funny - a silly noise, one of mommy's voices for his storybooks, daddy's hearty laugh, chasing after other children... We hope he is always so easily amused!
Jaidan is also very organized (he gets this from his daddy.) In fact, after his pals come over and play, he will put most of his toys back where they belong. He always takes apart his legos before putting them back in the box, stacks his favorite books by the fireplace, and even tries helping mommy fold laundry!
We love hearing his little voice and he is saying many more words now. He wasn't saying much for awhile, but now, all of a sudden, he is repeating back more of what we say and can even say a few phrases - our favorite is "I love you Mommy/Daddy!" He will say "Bye Mommy/Daddy" and "Thank you Mommy/Daddy" without being prompted. He continues to amaze us with his understanding and capacity to learn. When he is at his grandparents on the weekends, they will only speak to him in Gujarati, and he understands everything that is asked of him - even more complicated directions.
Our little boy LOVES the 3 B's - books, bubbles, and balls. When we are sitting on the couch, all of a sudden we see this avalanche of books coming down from the top of the couch - Jaidan is behind us dumping books over our heads, then runs out in front of us and climbs on top of us asking us to read through the pile. As for bubbles and balls, these two items can entertain him for hours. He squeals with excitement anytime anyone blows bubbles and he has shown us what a good arm he has when he and daddy play catch. By the way, he is a lefty just like daddy. He is also an excellent swimmer - one of the best in his swim class. Jaidan can hold his breath for 8 seconds under the water!
We can't forget his biggest obsession to date - CARS! Hot wheels, fire engines, police cars, tractors, cement mixers - you name it - he is transfixed. It is the one toy that doesn't get old (or at least hasn't yet.) Jaidan is so clever now, that when in a store, he somehow manages to find a toy car, pull it off the shelf (if he can reach it) and tries to toss it in the cart.
He is growing up in SO many ways, but he is still a baby to us at times. Especially before bedtime, when we read and cuddle or the times we rock him to sleep. As hard as it is to let go of our baby, we are amazed at what an incredible boy he is becoming - right before our eyes. As a mother, having Jaidan has opened up a place in my heart I never knew I had. I have never known the capacity to love another human being so much until he came into our lives. Watching him grow has me marveling at the joy, miracle, and fragility of life. Happy Birthday dear Jaidan, we love you more than you know!
Sweet baby Sahil sleeping through dinner
Lookin' good in sombreros!
Riya and Sapna
Grandma letting loose with the grandkids on the dance floor
Dancing buds!
Filling up sand pails on the beach
Say "cheese" Aman!
Touching the Gulf for the first time!
Looking for seashells
Kisses for Grandma
A family walk
Snack break with Sahil
The seagull that snatched Jaidan's cookie right out of his hand!
Jaidan's first kite - courtesy of his Aunt Shikha (Kaki) and Uncle Ashish (Kaka)
Whoa, that kite can fly high!
Chilling out with Mommy
Our sandcastle
Our inspiration!
Grandma learns how to ride a bike all over again! (it had been awhile...)
Jaidan and Aman buckle up for a ride (J isn't happy here)
He is better once we start moving!
Jaidan's homemade birthday dinner
Time to open presents!
Check out my new vest! Thanks Kaki, Kaka, Riya, Aman and Sahil!
Whale Rider
Merry Christmas!
He preferred the gnome Santa in the garden
Sapna (Foi) decorating the gingerbread house
Riya testing out the decorative frosting!
