4 years, 3 months & 2 years

Happy Birthday, John!

The birthday boy was a bit under the weather today and not at all in the mood for pictures as you'll see below...

John is two today! He picked his own cake with opinions offered from the rest of us. Final answer decided by Dad: Angel food!

John got tubes in his ears earlier this month and it's already making a difference. He is using more words every day and we're able to understand most of them. His post-op appointment is in early February and that's when he'll get his hearing tested again. He hasn't quite grasped the fact that he needs to wear cotton ball ear plugs during every bath, but it's getting better and better with each successive bath. Speaking of baths, his new favorite feature consists of bubbles that almost overflow the tub. That's a stark contrast with his big sister who gets upset if there's even one bubble!

John's number one role model continues to be his big sister. Tess is jumping on the bed? I'm in! Tess is throwing balls in the house? Sounds fun!

He gets super excited about dessert, but also continues to eat nearly everything he's offered. For some reason, he's on a pickle kick lately. I can't remember if we've mentioned it in the blog recently, but he continues to love mustard. As in, he'll eat it as a side dish. Dad has to constantly remind him it's for dipping, not scooping with your spoon.

As for me, I'm on a reading kick lately. We have some new foam letters to use in the bath tub and I've really enjoyed spelling various simple words with Mom and Dad.

I skip naps most days at school now to work on big kid work with Ms. Minnie. That work includes reading, writing, geography and several other fun things. I'm still a fan of naps on the weekend, though. Mom and Dad like it that way, too!

My monthly questions:

1. Favorite color: Pink and purple

2. Favorite country: Montana

3. Favorite planet: Earth

4. Favorite song: Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer and the ABCs

5. Best friend: Keillor

6. John's best friend: Keillor, probably.

And one question asked to John:

1. What animal did Old MacDonald have on his farm? Cat!