It's been known that I am not a fan of the toddler stage...for some reason, I'll take a handful of babies over one two-year-old...what can I say, I like when they're mute and immobile.

Of course I love my boys abundantly, but I don't love the intensity of the physical act of child rearing that age 15 months to four years brings. And that's what it's been. Physically intense.

Just in the last few months, I have enjoyed Kid's age immensely. To me, it feels like some sort of light at the end of a tunnel. I have noticed how much I have not had to physically be involved on daily tasks with him. He's near self-sufficient in most duties and chores (brushing teeth, potty, clearing the table, getting loaded in the car,etc.) and his vocabulary and personality seem to double every night, which brings each morning new excitement for his family members.

He's constantly asking the definition of words, how to spell them, and making up little riddles, rhymes and jokes. He enjoys listening to songs and their words and uses critical thinking skills when he hears phrases such as "faith to move mountains". He's intrigued with processes and functionality. He's a hard worker. His imagination has been taken to a whole different level and it brings such joy into my heart when I hear him play make-believe with Next Door #2. Their made-up games, situations, and superhero names are so completely juvenile and innocent, yet so boyish and aggressive at the same time.

We talk a lot together. It's a special time with Kid, most definitely an age I enjoy. I've been doing my best to stop and etch moments and conversations in my mind and heart, knowing full-well at how quickly this stage and age will pass.

So, Kid, when you actually have the time and desire to read back on our family journal, know that at this moment, we are having the most fun with each other, more than ever before.

I'm cast under your crazy superhero web, Kid.