A letter to Owen...

Dear Owen,

There is so much that I could say about the special little boy that you are...and I wanted to take a few days to think about our time together in Minneapolis before posting this letter to you.

It was just a few months back that we were all together here in Birmingham, but, I see so many changes in you during that short amount of time. "Month to month" in "baby/toddler time" is so different than in "grown up time"! As adults we don't really notice the differences in ourselves as frequently as we do in our children and grandchildren. I guess that everything just s-l-o-w-s down when you get to be Grammie's age!

You have one of those sweet personalities that makes people gravitate to you. You love being silly and making up your own little language of words. You laugh out loud at yourself as you try to rhyme words...ending up quite often with nonsensical words that are fun to say!

You are always ready to play with anyone who is willing and able! You love balls...rolling, throwing, shooting "baskets", hitting with a bat, bouncing....whatever! And, with your nonstop energy...you could do these things over and over and over again. "Let's do it again!" is your mantra. And we abide by your cues as long as we can...though eventually you can exhaust us. : )

The joy that you carry inside of you is so evident to all who know you, Owen. There is hardly a moment that goes by that you are not singing some song out loud. Right now some of your favorites are "Take Me Out To The Ballgame", "We are the Crickets, the Mighty, Mighty Crickets (you are in the Cricket group in daycare!), "Ring Around the Rosie", "Row,Row, Row Your Boat", the "I Love You" song that Barney sings,"Old McDonald Had a Farm", etc. etc. etc. etc.

You are a definite entertainer and you don't shy away from an opportunity to perform! Whether it is with your guitar (that is almost as big as you are tall!)...or listening to the CD that your Dad made you of your favorite songs...or, during your nap before you have drifted off to sleep...music is a big part of who you are.

While watching you I can't help but step back in time to when your Daddy was a little boy. He was the exact same way then as you are now. I am so thrilled that he has passed down his love and passion for music to you and your sister. Our house was always filled with music...and, so is yours. What a nice gift to pass down...

I try not to be prejudiced (!!), but Owen, you continue to amaze me with your grasp of the English language! Your vocabulary shocks and delights me all at the same time. You don't just call the large truck, "big"...you call it "enormous"! You seem to be able to express yourself so well....and I am loving this stage of your life in that we can really communicate with each other.

Of course, with this stage also comes the "why's??" which I wrote about in a previous post. Your curiosity in everything is pretty cool...even though the questioning can go on and on. Your inquisitive nature is what will help you learn so much about the world around you! Never lose that desire to learn and grow.

Your sweetness. Now, I could write a tome about how dear you are...not only to your sister...but, to everyone. You are kind and giving in a way that belies your 2 years and 10 months of life! You are generous with your hugs...and, that makes any Grammie smile!

All of the above is not to say that you aren't quite spunky, too! You definitely have your own mind on many things...and you can stubbornly hang on to what you want to do. But, all in all, you are a real sweetheart...and, so easy to be with.

During my visit some of my favorite moments were when I would read to you. You really got into each little tale and hated when the book was finished. "Can we do it again?" you would ask....and, of course, Grammie would heed your sweet request. Many times you would almost memorize the words of some of the books and say the repetitive words with me as I read them to you. I especially loved the day that we visited yours and Audrey's old daycare and you sat down with a book...turned it so that the other kids could see it the right way...and began to "read" the story to them.

Sigh.

My sweet Owen, you bring me so much pleasure just in being you. Always keep that wonderful joyous spirit...and always know how much you are loved by me.

Missing you already...xoxo,

Grammie