2014 - A Dude in Review

Hey Dude,

Well, 2014 was a big year for you (and us for that matter).  You did a lot of good things and you...well, you were a 2-year old, so you can imagine what that was like.  Actually you probably won't remember, but you'll probably see it some time in the future.  For everyone else, you know exactly what that means and here is how it looks.

And yes, you are the Captain of this house.

Anyway, it was a big year for you because you went through (and put us through) a lot of changes to what type of person you are and are becoming.  For the sake of this of post to you, I'm breaking this down into the 2 "L"'s: Love and Learned.  I'm going to highlight things that you continued to Love during this year and some things that you Learned during this year.

First the love...

Sticks - I don't get it and I don't know how you survived with both of your eyes.

Books - We read every night before bed.  Your favorites included the Pigeon books, Hop on Pop, Dr. Seuss' ABC's, Where's Spot, the Llama books, and Go, Dog Go!.  This is one of my favorite parts of the day too!

Fire Extinguishers - We knew where every one was in every store!  You were on a hunt like you were competing on The Amazing Race.

Vacuum Cleaners - We had the cleanest floors in town.  You became somewhat of a connoisseur and preferred Dysons.

John Deere Tractors - I don't know where this gene came from, but it didn't come from me or mom.  Unfortunately I know nothing about tractors, so they are all "big ones".

Scoutie Bear - She is your sister and she loves you and you love her, except when you are annoying each other... Like I said, she's your sister.

Ultimately, you LOVE to move or things that move!

But your new favorites are your motorized tractor (which you weren't sure about when you first got it).

But that changed right at the end of the year.

And your new truck - Which you showed no hesitation to ride.

But you also learned a thing or two during 2014.

How to slide - There are really two important parts...letting go.

And arriving safely at the bottom.

Roller coasters exist - Not so sure about your first ride, and neither was mommy for that matter.  We'll blame it on the carnies.

How to pay for our nursing home - Since this is a nickel slot, it may take you some time.

How to show-off.

Pumpkins are awesome - Much like fire extinguishers, we could spot a pumpkin miles away.

Splash pads and pools are ...okay - That lousy water always seems to be there.

Hotel Spas are fun - To walk in.

Playing in the rain is fun - We love watching puddles gather rain and then stomp in them.

Grapes are delicious - Actually of the dozens and dozens of grapes you've put in your mouth (or on the floor) only a select few have been eaten and they were accidents.

Candy bars are fun - Buying them is fun and putting the wrapped candy bar in your mouth fun. Eating them? Never actually done.

Walking the dog is fun - But safety is a must.

The zoo is fu..- You weren't able to finish the word because you are the fastest zoo patron ever.  We see the animal then we go to the next one.

Hockey is fun - Must have been all of those sticks you were playing with.

Mascots are fun - And not creepy!

It might be a future profession.

Santa is fun - And is one of your favorite words to say.  This guy is everywhere and you always point him out to us.

Yardwork is fun - Although I'm sure it won't be when you HAVE to do it.

Making friends is fun.

Ethan - your buddy from Indiana.

Ethan and his little bro, Tate.

Bob - your buddy from down the street.  He is a widower whose house we have to go by all the time. Aside from family, he is one of the most important people to you.

Choo-Choos are REAL fun - This is one of your favorite things to play with and say!

Fireworks are fun - It's pretty obvious to see who you inherited this from.

Drinking out of straws is fun - This is actually a big deal for you to learn to do.  I'll explain further down.

One of the biggest things about you right now is that you have Apraxia.  What that means is that you don't know how to say words.  You know a WHOLE bunch of words, but your brain doesn't know how to get you to say them.  This doesn't define you, it's not who you are, it's just a part of who you are.  You have been working with a speech therapist this year, Ms. DeDe, and she is great.  She loves you and you really love her.  Along with Bob from down the street, Ms. DeDe is one of the most important people to you and she is helping you make great strides.  Including, drinking out of a straw (which is a huge milestone for Apraxia kids) and making a whole bunch of new sounds that you weren't making in June of this year.  In fact, you are up to about 31 "words" at the time of this writing.  Favorites?  "Bottle", "Choo-Choo", Family members names, "Salsa" and "Taco".  We are so proud of you.  

Here are some highlight videos:

We are so proud of you, Dude!  We love you so much and we know that one day you are going to be talking so much, but I promise you, we will not tell you to shut up!  Happy 2014 and here's to 2015!

Love,

Dad