Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Dear Koen,

You turned 39 months old over a week ago. I'd like to apologize for not writing you a letter last month. Things got out of control with Aaron and I trying to re-position our company and my new found addiction, social media networking . No need to worry, I've got my addiction under control and if someone in your play group asks you what your Daddy does for a living, just tell them that his company specializes in Brand Identity, CMS Integration and Flash Development. If they look perplexed, just hand them my business card and tell them I made things look cool.

If I had to describe your development for the last couple months in a few words, I'd say you are a funny, indecisive, opinionated sponge. You have a comment for everything. Sometimes it's not what your Mom nor I want to hear, but you openly express your thoughts and opinions, especially if they directly involve you. I'm not saying that's a bad thing, I'm just commenting on the fact that our 3 year old son will look at us, frown, cross his arms and say, "ah man, I can't handle this, it's not fair." If anything, it's cute and definitely a memory I will cherish. Ask me if I still feel this way when you are 16 years old. I'll probably look at you, frown, cross my arms and say, "ah man, I can't handle this, where did we go wrong, you're grounded." For now, it's cute.

You've reached the wonderful stage of indecisiveness. We'll ask you something and you'll respond with excitement, like it's the best idea in the world. Minutes later, you'll hate the very thought of the idea and want nothing to do with it. It's as though we've offended you in some way. But, your Mom can usually get you to comply by using the Jedi mind trick.

We also have to watch everything we say. Yes, you understand everything and absorb it like a sponge. In fact, even though we think you are not listening to our conversations, minutes later, you'll repeat certain things you weren't supposed to hear.

There are two highlights that happened in the last couple months. First, we have an additional member to our family.
His name is Bob. Bob is a gold fish given to us by your friend Jacob. Unfortunately, Jacob and his family moved back to Germany and Bob wasn't able to go with them because he didn't have a passport. So, we adopted him and promised to take good care of him. So far, so good. You and your Mom were in SoCal for a week and I did over feed him, but he's still swimming and functioning like a good fish. I even ate sushi in front of him :-)

The second highlight is your new bedroom. With the help from your Grandma and Papa, you now have a Big Boy Bedroom. No more Crib converted to a Toddler bed. Nope, you are now sporting a full size big boy bed. No side-rails, just the empty floor for you to fall on. Your room is also sporting a new dresser and a very large open bookshelf that holds all your toys and books. I gotta tell you, your room is the coolest room in the house.

It's been interesting watching you play and get into character in the last couple months. You are still fond of Batman and Transformers, but nothing seems to replace your love for Spiderman. Don't get me wrong, you still break out the Batman cape and run around saying, "I'm Batman." I should also mention you like to wield the foam sword I bought you one evening while your Mom was at her Book Club. And, you really love throwing those Batman batarangs while battling your enemy (me).

However, Spiderman always seems to be at the forefront of whatever character you want to act out. You own a pair of Spiderman Underoos which you like to wear under your clothes and act like its your Spiderman costume. You carry around a small bag with a camera and a piece of paper that is suppose to be the Daily Bugle Newspaper where Peter Parker works as a photographer. There are even times where your Mom and I have to call you "Peter Parker" for you to respond to us calling or talking to you...sheesh. But, your imagination is in full flight and that is something I, nor your Mom would ever want to take away from you.

Aside from your make believe battles in your super hero world, you are loving the Spiderman scooter your Grandma bought you while in SoCal. You are getting better at pushing and cruising the sidewalks. We even brought it to your Lola and Lolo's house one afternoon, where you loved going down their incline driveway. The thrill in your eyes was enough
to let us know you may be one of those kids that loves action sports; just like your Daddy ;-)

What really makes your Mom and I happy is your desire to go to school. You have a backpack that you wear around the house and tell us you are ready to go to preschool with the big kids. You'll sometimes sit at your table in your room and act like it is your desk in a classroom and you'll go into a whole dialog and get into character.

Over these last couple of months there have been so many new developments and you continue to astound your Mom and me with your sense of humor and comedic timing. It still amazes us that when we think we got you pegged, you up and change the game on us. My letter may be tardy and seem less passionate; far from it. Your antics continue and there is always more to share. Koen, Daddy promises to catch up as these months progress. Now I just have to go and find the camera...

Love,
Daddy