One year ago, you came into our lives, and brought with you two precious dimples, a flexible and adventurous demeanor, and a sweet, joyful spirit. You've grown into a near-toddler overnight, and I sometimes can't believe my eyes.
You're incredibly portable; you're up for adventure pretty much anywhere. You attack life with such purpose, such drive, and I know that you're going to stake your own claim, make your own way, and take whatever life throws at you in stride. You do occasionally get upset when we divert you from something, or throw your arms straight up, making yourself as straight as possible, when we try to pick you up and you don't want to be picked up, which makes me think you may be as strong-willed as (or maybe even more strong-willed than) your big sister.
You never stop moving. Even sitting in your high chair, you rock back and forth and grin that huge grin of yours and sometimes scrunch up your nose like something is so hilarious you can't stand it. When I'm holding you I'm often a bit afraid you're going to pitch yourself out of my arms and onto the floor - and you've come close a few times! I always have to make sure I have a good hold on you, girl!
Despite your love of movement, you still have very little interest in walking. On your birthday you got yourself to standing on your own (without pulling up on something) for the first time, and you've done it a few times since then. But always, once you realize you're standing, you slooooooowly crouch back down to sitting. You do walk with a push walker just fine, but you haven't yet figured out how to turn it around, so when you run into something, you just repeatedly slam it against the wall or furniture and yell until someone comes to turn it for you.
You're such a lover, and you're a great hugger. You love to hug your baby dolls, the doggie puppet you got from our former landlord for your birthday, and - most of all - you love your SISTER. "Duh Duh" does NOT, as we initially thought, mean "Dada" (you actually say "Daddy" pretty clearly). It means "Eden" and it's the first thing you say in the morning. I love that relationship SO MUCH. It was the thing that I was most excited about when I found out you were a little girl, still kicking around in my belly. I wanted you both to have a sister. There's nothing like it, and I pray that it continues to be as sweet a relationship as it's starting out to be.
You continue to eat like a champ, and when you're all done you wave your arms like crazy and then start throwing food on the floor. You're now 100% on whole milk in sippy cups, and we've cut out the bedtime milk altogether (you did that on your own) so you pretty much only take milk with meals and snacks.
You still take 2 naps a day most days, but you're starting to slowly transition to one. That transition is about to be accelerated, though, because you're starting daycare this week and your class is a one-nap class. I'm confident you'll do fine, but I also think you'll probably sleep at least 3-4 hours of the day. (Yesterday I had you at home, because you were sick, and you slept from 11am to 4:15pm, when I woke you up to get some fluids in you!)
Other than "Duh Duh" you say "Daddy" and "bye-bye" and "Mama" (when you want to, which unfortunately is NOT very often!) and "Uh-oh" (which comes out as "uh uh ooo ooo"). You can still only reliably sign "bye-bye" and "all done" but I think this morning you signed "milk" and you've gotten the point that shaking the head means "no," and sometimes you shake your head at things you know you're not supposed to get into. But mostly, you point at things and grunt to get your message across, and it's working for you right now.
I wish I could adequately convey what fun you are, what a JOY you are. People comment all the time on what a happy kid you are, and they're absolutely right. You're so good, so happy, so precious, and I can't wait to see who you become, my littlest love.
Keep smiling, keep being unstoppable, and keep growing big and strong! I love you so much I can't stand it, my Munchie.
Love,
Mommy
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