Dear Lucas (99 Weeks),

Today we went to a friend's house for a play-date and your bully streak came out a few times. You pushed, tried to kick, and grabbed toys while yelling "MINE!" I would be willing to have my toe nails pulled off one by one if I didn't have to hear you scream out "Mine" one more time (especially when the object in question is NOT yours!" When I would say things like "I don't know what has gotten into him today!" I was reminded by the other mom's that oh yeah, I have an unpredictable, moody toddler. I can hear my mom saying I'm so thankful that I have understanding friends and I will try to be just as understanding when you are the kid that is getting bullied one day. You were asleep almost as soon as we turned out of the driveway.

I love when you fall asleep in the car. When I go to get you out of your car seat you only every wake up long enough to hold you arms up for me to pick you up. You always snuggle your cheek against my shoulder and I get to enjoy holding you while you are quiet and still (two things that don't happen much anymore.) Then I get to lay you down in your crib and walk away without you waking up... something that NEVER happened the first few months of your life.

The expressions you make and the things you do crack me up so much that I have turned into one of "those mothers" that are always telling people "you will never guess what Lucas did!" Today you gave me one of the best stories yet. While we were at your play date you fell down and hurt yourself. I could tell you were going to be okay so as you stood up I said "It's okay, just shake it off." You proceeded to stop crying, look at me and start shaking your little baby bootie. I thought I was going to die laughing right then and there. Later on in the day something similar happened and again I told you to "shake it off" and on cue you started to "shake it." I have no idea where you got this from but I hope you keep shaking it off at least long enough for me to get it on video.

This evening it was lightly raining so I opened the front door to let in some fresh air. I thought you would enjoy feeling the rain sprinkle on your bare arms but for some reason you were not a fan. You will play in mud puddles and toilets (yes I found you happily splashing in one today during out play date after hearing you call out "Wow, WATER!") but a little rain makes you unhappy. I even tried to stop off the porch and you grabbed my hand and pulled me back into the house.

All of a sudden you have bug bites all over your legs. Tonight you were asking for lotion and when I asked why you wanted some you replied, "itch" and started scratching your leg. You found the calamine lotion before I did and sat down and started spreading it over your bites. I guess you remembered what we did last month when you got those awful bug bites when we went to Butterbean. You are one smart cookie. I think we'll keep you around.

Bugga, I love you to the moon and back,

Mommy