A Letter

Dear Leah,

Sweet girl, you are 18 months old today! Eighteen! When you were born, I remember seeing clothes for 18 month olds; I thought they were so big and grown-up looking, and couldn’t even imagine you being that size. And now…..here we are! You’re wearing 18-month clothes…and lots of 24-month and 2T! It’s always so strange for me to realize how big you’ve gotten…and that in a few months, the size you are now will seem so small!

This has been an interesting month for us. You’ve definitely been testing your limits as you’ve been trying to figure out the world around you. It’s a constant battle to keep you off the fireplace and the coffee table. There are some days when I feel like the only things I say to you are, “Get down,” and “Sit.” You just love to climb and play on the furniture, but I can’t let you keep doing it! One day you’ll understand, but for now, I’ll have to keep sounding like a broken record. That’s okay.

You are also in a biting stage, which has been hard for all of us. I know you’re just trying to express your anger and frustration in the only way you know how, but w0w – your little teeth hurt! It’s interesting, too, because you bite other things, too, besides just us – the couch, coffee table, doorframes, and rugs have all been your victims. It’s hard for me to see you so upset and so frustrated. I want to fix it for you, or help you understand what’s going on, but there’s only so much I can do. It’s a learning process for all of us.

You are starting to say “no” more, and seem to have strong opinions about things happening around you. I’m starting to think you have my temper – you’re zero to sixty in three seconds flat! It doesn’t seem to take much to get you upset, which I think is normal for your age, and I have to confess that sometimes when you get really angry about something that seems really small, I have a hard time not laughing. It’s so cute, somehow, that you’re so passionate about things.

I don’t mean to emphasize all of those negatives, though. You’re still such a joy, sweetheart. You make me smile and laugh so many times every day. There are just things you do and even say – yes, you’re talking a lot now! – that make my heart smile. You’re impersonating lots of animals, and are starting to learn your colors. The sounds you make for different animals – especially your “meow” – are so, so cute! You are learning everyone’s names and now – finally! – will say “mama” when you want me. I can’t tell you how much I love that. You love your books, and get very excited whenever we head outside to play. You are such a flirt, too, with people in the store and at church, and everyone seems to see what a sweetheart you really are.

I just love you so much, honey. I can’t believe you’re halfway to your second birthday! Time is going so fast, and I am doing all I can to soak up this time with you. There are lots of challenging days, but even on the worst days, I wouldn’t trade my life for anything. I love being your mama, and I love watching you learn and grow. It’s amazing to me, and such a privilege to watch. Your daddy and I love you, Punen. You’re our joy!

Love,

Mama