Celebrating 2orin

Happy Birthday Superman Torin!

The morning started early (5:20a) with shouts from his room, and proceeded with daddy taking him to pick up croissants and a big helium football balloon (and coffee for the adults) while Ashen slept "in" until 6:30. He's currently sitting with his brother watching his favorite show, Curious George, snuggled up with his balloon. Ashen, feeling a bit jealous about the attention on his brother, and especially the prized balloon, just asked, "Mom, is my birthday going to be in three minutes?"

Just as surprised as we (especially me without any meds) were that he was 9.5 lbs at birth, when we were expecting a 7-8 lb baby, this boy continues to be bigger in personality, ability and size than we ever expected! What a character this fellow is! As is our tradition, here is a snapshot of him at TWO (in random order):

* Loves kicking and throwing balls and is unusually talented in making contact with the ball
*Sings throughout his day--sometimes songs we recognized, other times his own tune. Does not have good tone (gets this from his parents)
* Speaks in full sentences--7-8 words sentences are no biggie for him
*Puts his hand up and asks (commands) people to "stop looking at him" when they are standing close to him/observing him
*Favorite foods are pizza, spaghetti, macaroni, blueberries (and every other type of berry and fruit), eggs, sweets--but will eat most things
*Favorite toys: Fire truck, plasma car, cars of any kind, balls, his baby doll, the kitchen sink
*Loves digging in the dirt. Recently discovered worms and can spend a long time digging them up and transferring them from one raised garden bed to another
*Tries to "ride a bike" though it is much to big for him and he cannot reach the pedals. Always trying to push his limits
*Is exploring imaginary play: likes to drive his plasma car around the room, picking up "sandwiches" and "hotdogs" for me to eat. Pretends he's refueling his plasmacar with a fuelpump in the wall.
*Very (very!) strong-willed and independent
*Easily amused, even if the "comedian" (ie. me or dad) are not really very funny
*A budding artist. Has great flare for color combinations and making artwork that truly looks great

Life lived with Torin is pure joy. We are so thankful he is part of our family and can't wait to see what new discoveries the coming year brings in his life. Two things we'r sure of: he'll be a fantastic big brother to his baby sister, and he and Ashen will continue to giggle and make mischief!

Mama loves you, Torin!