My dear Simon,
You have grown so much this past year. These past few months you have really started talking more, mostly becoming a parrot and repeating everything your brother and I say. Whenever I correct you or Lincoln on a behavior, I have you both repeat back to me, "Yes, mam." Although you've confused mam for man and your strong personality has turned the phrase to "No, man!" instead. It can be quite frustrating, but also ridiculously funny at the same time.
You are still as curious as ever. Your first birthday party theme of Curious George is still rather fitting to this day. Your daddy and I are convinced we never had this many issues with Lincoln and as a result we have been gravely ill-prepared to toddler-proofing the house. Bowls and flour containers from the cupboards, all the forks and spoons from the silverware drawer, food from the fridge, makeup from the bathroom, garbage cans--- pretty much anything that can be opened and rummaged through, you have done it. You would think we would have learned our lesson by now, especially when it comes to my lipstick. I should know that it needs to be kept in the highest place possible, otherwise it's broken and smeared all over your face.
And is it possible to be fiercely independent but adamantly clingy at the same time? Yes, it is. Sadly, you refuse to let me help you at the playground when you're climbing up or coming down, and you want to be the one to fill your own cup up and open up your own cheese stick, but when it comes to walking, you depend solely on the arms of your daddy and I. I have you to thank for keeping my arms toned, even when everything else is weak. Ha!
You love to color and you love to read. And your most FAVORITE thing involves anything with water. Bubble baths, turning on and off the hose in the backyard, taking 20 minutes to wash your hands in the bathroom sink, or filling your cup up with water from the fridge only to dump it in the sink and do it again at least 15 more times. And your latest obsession, which is slightly weird and will bring a good laugh for many years to come, is with the local grocery store H-E-B. Whenever we mention that we are going, you clasp your little hands together and excitedly yell, "H-E-B!!!!" We've even written an H-E-B lullaby to sing you at night.
You love your oatmeal every morning and although you don't eat a TON of food, the food you do it is not typical for two-year olds. You'll eat asparagus and sautéed green beans, you've eaten plain spinach out of a salad and devour anything dipped in ketchup. But oddly enough, I can't seem to get you to eat a quesadilla or eggs.
You are still incredibly sweet and give kisses so freely when someone gets hurt. You're our cuddle bug and I'll always remember you at this age as being glued in our arms and laps. I love you, Simon.
This BOY!!! I love him so much, and maybe a little more now that he's sleeping through the night.The night before he turned 3 months. You never forget your first night because you wake upfeeling like a million bucks and that you can take on the world!!! or at least until the other kidswake up and then you realize, will I ever NOT be tired? Yeah, maybe when they're all finally out of the house. 
