I You!

My precious little meatloaf has said I love you ("I You") for the first time! Ironically, he said it in English, the language we use the least to express our loving emotions to him, but probably the easiest for him to express this feeling. It is endearing to have such an affectionate son - he'll hold our heads and rub his nose against ours (and all those he loves, by the way!), caress us, pat our backs when he hugs us, etc. He even likes to give other toddlers at the park hugs and kisses and dogs and cats as well!! With all the changes toddlers go through, I hope this aspect doesn't go away anytime soon!

Mati is becoming quite a funny little man - funny from an adult point of view. For about a week now, he has been wanting to use his jackets at all times of the day, despite the weather conditions outside. The other day we went to the park and it was a fairly warm day, however, he wanted his jacket on. He started to play and despite sweat beads accumulating on top of his nose and his hair getting wet from the perspiration, he still didn't want to take his jacket off! My negotiation skills will certainly improve if he continues with this fashion trend!!

His appreciation of music has taken off. He'll ask for more of a genre of music or to hear a song again. But the cutest is to see him dance. He usually just turns and turns in circles, but lately has started to move his upper body and stompt his feet to the beat of the music.

Another new activity he is into is that of collecting: pebbles, leaves, acorns, anything on the floor that catches his eye. He'll put them in his pant or short pockets and then play with them at home, in the car or in his stroller. Such a boy!!

We enrolled him in a new class which has a classroom feel to it. Teacher Rosie leads about 7 or 8 toddlers in singing their ABCs, doing art activities, dancing, running, exploring nature or doing sports. Mati liked the class, especially as he is beginning to like hanging out with other kids, and was attentive to all of Teacher Rosie's explanations. We think his English will improve tremendously from this - he's already asking to sing the "ABCD" song! - which will be great for when he starts preschool next year.

Finally, a BIG THANK YOU to all the family members who have helped us taking care of Mati during my recovery. Mati has loved spending time with all of you and I'm very grateful for the help!