Dear Lou,

Happy belated 21 month birthday! As you can tell, things are really crazy around here-- I can't believe I'm just now writing your little monthly update!

I'm sorry if I've been a little preoccupied lately with all the shopping and baking and wrapping and decorating, but I want to reassure you that despite how it may seem, yes, you are still my number 1 priority, and no, we have not moved into Target permanently. And although it's been hectic, I'm not too worried about you because you seem to really be eating this Christmas thing up. You love the lights and the trees and the elves and the Santas and the trains and the fake snow and the singing and the dancing... and so on and so on (and, of course, most of all, the CANDY)...

Since you are so interested in pointing out what things belong to whom or who did what to whatever these days, you are convinced that Dada is responsible for every Christmas light everywhere. Every once in a while you give me a shout out for doing whatever Christmas-y thing I've done around the house (which is everything except for putting up the lights), but you're obviously most impressed with Dada and those damn lights! I guess he should get some credit, though, because at least his task involved a ladder and climbing at dangerous heights.

You love our Christmas tree. Every single morning you tumble out of bed and head straight to it where you point at it and yell "uh-oh! uh-oh!" because the lights are out. Since we have them on a little clicker-remote, it's always your job to turn them on, and you LOVE doing it. You've gotten better about not touching the ornaments-- sometimes you remember to look at the tree with your hands behind your back (you look so cute doing that!) but I've also learned which ones are the most indestructible.

Along with the excitement, this past month has brought a few challenges as well. Although you don't really know the word "mine" yet, you definitely have the concept. A little pushing, a little taking-things-away-from-other-kids has shown up (you went to time-out for the first time at the gym!), but your teacher says it's only a mild case and that you'll grow out of it soon. Everyone agrees that you're not trying to be mean, you just see something you want and go after it. I have to say that I think that's a whole lot better than hanging back and not making a move at all. We'll just have to work on the manners part a bit more!

Well, Christmas is in five days and I can't remember the last time I was so excited about an upcoming date (maybe waiting to have you?). Daddy and I had so much fun shopping for you! We've told you that if you're really good, Santa might bring you not just one, but two presents. I can't wait to see your face when you see half the room filled with toys for you! I'm sure we overdid it, but we figure now is the time to do it and not when you're asking for a room filled with iPods, Wii's and flat screen TV's.

I love you more than all the Christmas lights in the whole, wide world!

Love,
Mama