Leo's Language, Age Two

"Beeh-bah-ba-Bah!" (Belly button)

"Ah-pah-deh" (an Octopus)

"Mema" (is Grandma)

"Murra" (sister Mira)

"Leh-oh" (his name)

"Coco-doe-doe" (a crocodile-- his favorite creature);

"Poot" (his current-favorite movie Puss in Boots)

"Doo-dow" (how he got that one from "Giraffe" we'll never know)

"Mee-munk" (Chipmunk")

"Cah-CAW!!" (any Bird, except)

"Me-mih-goh! (a Flamingo)--

"Ehdi-buhk!" (a Ladybug)

And "Muhk" is (Milk)

And "He-ah-curry-cay" is just one way he attempts to say (Helicopter)

"Bah-bye" (while flapping his wings is Butterfly)

"Bvah-trr! (Water)

"Tuhk!" (is Truck)

And "Tak-trrr!" (Tractor)

"Bah-Bye!" (like a stereotyped Italian or David Spade, is Bye-Bye, followed by a half-blown kiss);

"Mayto" (Tomato)

"Bwush teefs" (Brush teeth)



Many more, and new ones here each day, as well as self-corrections over time, all the more reason now to write these Leo-isms down, before they disappear for good.



: )



<3



ZL (aka DaddyZ)

8/26/2013 (Leo's 2-year-old summer)

When You Turned Two

When you turned two
Beloved Leo,
The world was about to turn upside-down;
Mommy's belly was big and we all talked about "baby";
Mommy, Daddy, Naia, MeMas
Cousin Alex, Rachel, Justin--
Everyone around you loves you so much, Leo!
You turned two;

When you turned two
We'd nicknamed you "the strong-willed child"
Your favorite things were "cocodos" and "waywos"
(Crocodiles and whales)
And cars and trains and
Muddy water covering your clothing
Hikes down to the river
Or just to the pond below the drainpipe
Where you throw the stones and stare at ripples
Watching fishes flee;
And up above the shed and flower garden
Splashing in the birdbath and
Alarming all
By climbing up the stairs to the room above/ behind the garage
(The rail-less dilapidated porch up there a perfect place to fall ten feet);

When you turned two
We'd been expecting BroSis
(Didn't know yet if a boy or girl)
For weeks already;
Due date on your second birthday,
Optimistic, figuring we'd have the baby well before Your Special Day!
But May the 17th, it came and went,
You got a tunnel, lots of trains(!! : ),
A shovel, pail, wheelbarrow, watering can and garden set all for yourself!
You got more Weeble-people, a tool set, stacking cardboard blocks from Naia,
And three chances to blow out the candles and eat cake
("Don't eat THOSE candles, Leo!!" ; )--
And the baby still in-belly,
Mommy miserable, impatient (as we all were--
Every phone call, email, text began with "baby here yet?")
Nine days yet to wait, we know now;

When you turned two,
May had lots of rain, and spring had been so cold until then,
But the hot and dry days came in May,
Around your birthday,
You and Alex, Naia playing in the purple elephant wading pool
With built-in sprinkler in the trunk,
And Paces' present to you-- outdoor mini basketball hoop set!
Many memories
Have filled this wondrous time with you
When you turned two
I'm glad to write this all down, now,
Want to remember just how great it's been

Because this time
Has been so centered
On the imminent arrival
Of (we now know)
Your Amazing Sister Mirabai!
But even though
It's been a grand distraction
Those who love you've
Had a great time
Celebrating this amazing time
When you've turned two
'Cuz we So Love You!

Lovely Son,
My Leo
My Love for You
Never Ending, Never Will.

Love,

DaddyZ

ZL
5.28.13
(11 days after You Turned Two)

First Birthday

Leo, it's your day today! Leo, it's your first BirthDay!! A year ago your mom and I Began our lives again In You, A year ago your wondrous, tiny, warm and unbelievable presence Filled that magic room; How I remember tiny fingers, toes Recall the errands I would run The little teddy bear, your first gift And the hat the volunteer knit you; Oh, this day a year ago Was so ebullient, thrilling, tranquil, perfect How our lives were lifted Into heaven in your every breath This Love Began So Large And Every Day Has Only Gotten Bigger You're the Greatest Gift I can't believe it's been a year Since that Translucent Day when You appeared Your Mom and I The World's Foremost Fortune cradled in our arms could never be more happy than we are already every day we get to see you Darling Leo. Happy Birthday! Love YOU. DaddyZ ZL 5.17.12

Little Leo Lehtinen
Alliteration looks good on you
Must get used to All Eyes on you
Since You've such a gorgeous Soul
Made such a deep impression on me
in these first twelve hours, now
I'm looking forward so
To every minute, hour, year to come
My heart's gone numb
from so much loving
Like it's floating on a cloud
so far above the maddening crowd
That likes to tussle, argue, kill
I will not rest until
The world is good enough for you my Prince,
my Little Leo Lehtinen.

Love,

DaddyZL 5.17.11
Day of Birth

Filled with Love

Filled with Love for You
You Purple King
You swaddled softness
Filled with tenderness
with Awe
your nine-month utero
your three days' labor
six hours cusp
and three more pushing
Finally
His Royalty Emerges
Fanfare for
his regal garb
his purple plenitude
He's Here!

And now, not day gone by
you've shifted pinkish
Healthy Happy, Satiated
knows just what to hunt and gather
Mommy's Milk is there
and you were fit to drink in minutes
licking lips
and sucking your own fingers
Happy, Healthy, Satiated
You and Mommy resting, now

I Love You Both Forever.

ZL. 5.17.11