asher says @ 19 months:

Athen (only when Athen has hurt his feelings will he say his name), Pop, get out, what, hey!, meow, he haw (for a donkey) yay yay (which means anything sweet, as in "Yay! I got a treat!") night night, bed, good guy (any toy or person wearing a helmet, hat, holding a sword or riding a motorcycle) s'man (spiderman, just like Athen used to say,) zoom (for cars,) jump, on, off, light, Mom and Dad.

He has stopped saying "Mama" and "Dada..." so sad.

the eve of kindergarten

Athen starts school tomorrow. I'm not really excited. I'm worried. School is really learning about life, and Athen's sensitive nature has become more of a stressor for me over the last two years. It makes me sad that something I love about him so much, is also a personality trait that will be painful to overcome. He is a good person, thoughtful and sincere. It's too bad that once we submit to the government/society standard of education and correct behavior that these kinds of traits are seen as hindering.... and honestly, I'm torn.

Athen, however, is very excited to be in school. I'm thrilled he is. He knows a few boys from soccer camp that will be in his class. The teachers made a good impression on him. The school is right across the street from our home. The kindergarten orientation was a positive introduction and he said to me, "Mom, I really like this school! I can't wait to go to school!"

I guess in the end it doesn't really matter what I think. He has to live his life. But, I miss him little sometimes...