Leaking

Dear Caden,

You are sitting on Daddy and suddenly shove your finger into his belly button. Daddy politely asks you, "Caden, please take your finger out of my belly button." You respond with, "I can't because there is a hole in your belly button and you are leaking out." Of course you decided that you needed a more in-depth explanation and we decided to get out the flashlight. You were able to inspect all of our belly buttons to your heart's contentment and ensured all of us that we were safe from "oozing and leaking out." So thankful you were able to look into this for us, because it could've been quite the situation.

Love,
Mommy

Ladybugs

Dear Caden,

I pick you up from school and during the drive home we always talk about how your day was and what you learned. On this day you proceeded to tell me that a red bug flew on you today while playing outside. I said, "Oh! Was is one of those sweet and pretty lady bugs that mommy really likes?" You said, "Yup! It your fav'rite too Mommy! And it bit my shoe, so I squished him!" Sorry ladybugs of Pearland; I tried.

Love,
Mommy

Freddy

Dear Caden,

Dinner has been eaten and it is time for a bath so I tell you it is time to go upstairs. You love to undress downstairs in the laundry room and run upstairs screaming, "Naked boy! I've got a naked bootie! Don't get me!" Today, however, you were very interested in your toys and it took some conjoling to get you going. I start tickling you and say, "You ready Freddy?" You immediately stop what you are doing and give me a look of horror. "Who's Freddy?!"

Love,
Mommy

A Moment

Dear Caden,

I leave you and Jacob with Daddy for a mere moment and walk into finding this. Still trying to figure this one out.

Love,
Mommy

Belly Buttons

Dear Caden,

No, you do not need a new belly button. No, you cannot feed Jacob through his belly button, please take the fish stick out of his belly button. No, I don't know why Daddy has so much fuzz in his belly button and you don't, but you will get there one day I am sure of it. No, your belly button doesn't talk while you are asleep. No, your belly button doesn't burp. No, Mommy only has one belly button and not the 5 you keep trying to say - those are scars from my surgeries. No, Mommy's belly button isn't thirsty. No, you're belly button isn't thirsty either - please take the straw out of it. No, Daddy's belly button didn't eat your finger - just take it out. No, your belly button doesn't toot and no, your hiney does not fall off if you unscrew your belly button (thank you Daddy). And once again, Tiger's belly button is not located underneath his tail.

Love,
Mommy

Missed Memo

Dear Caden,

Did I miss something? Since when did you grow tall enough to even be able to do this? Obviously you didn't get the memo either - that kids aren't supposed to raid the refrigerator until their teens.

Love,
Mommy

Love

Dear Caden,

Daddy is holding you in his arms as we say your nighttime prayers. You have one arm curled around Daddy's neck and you reach for me, pulling me close. You hug us tightly together and I feel your breath tickle my neck as you say, "I really love you guys."

I have many goals and aspirations of what I want to do or be as a parent. One of the main ones is for you and Jacob to know that you are loved - truly loved - unconditionally for who you are today and not for who you might be. That you are perfect just the way you are.

So tonight, as I lay in bed with your simple words echoing through my mind, I can't help but smile. My heart is happy. Oh my dear Caden - for it is I who really love you guys.

Love,
Mommy

Situated

Dear Caden,

You hop onto the couch and reach for the blanket. I try to hand you the sliced apples that you requested, but you put your hand up and in such a grown up way stated, "Wait Momma. I need to get situated." You flick your socks off your feet, twisting and turning until you snuggle under the covers to your satisfaction. "Ahhhh! Ok! I situated Momma!" I must admit, sometimes when you say words that are bigger than you, it is hard to keep a straight face - you make me smile, and make me proud. Your little personality has definitely situated perfectly in my heart.

Love,
Mommy

Flowers for Mommy

Dear Caden,

You come bounding to me, your smile ever so bright.
"Mommy! I bring you flowers! For you!" You melt into my arms, your face expectant as you hand me my flowers.

I am one lucky Mommy.

Love,
Mommy