It's been too long since I got on here and tried to write down everything
that amazes me about you. In the last seven months you've grown so much in so
many ways, it's hard to believe sometimes. Your vocabulary never ceases to
amaze me. I love our conversations and that you can tell me what you
want/need. When you spit out sentences like "I hurt my finger" and "Drop in on
the floor"- or even two word phrases like, "diaper change", "wash hands",
"hold/carry you" and "get up"- I sometimes feel like I need to pick my mouth up
off the floor.
You're like a little sponge, absorbing everything around
you...and you'll repeat anything you hear. You've learned to count to 16 all by
yourself and can sing most of the alphabet without help. You're so close to
learning "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" and you've learned most of it from
listening to the pre-recorded card you received from us for Valentine's Day. I
love to hear you sing, especially, "Row, Row, Row Your Boat." You always ask
about where family members are and when you'll get to see them next. You love
to color and will come and ask me for crayons or markers- whichever you're
feeling will be better that day. Last time I updated you hadn't started walking
yet. Now you're running and you and I take walks as often as weather permits-
you love to go outside, or go to the library and get books. Your love of
reading melts my heart. I hope you continue to love reading as it will always
be something you and I will share.
You bring so much laughter to our family. A few weeks ago, I got frustrated
with you and sternly said, "Zoe!" and you followed swiftly with, "Driving me
crazy!"- a phrase I guess I use too often. I was instantly laughing and all was
well. It is also quite amusing to you when Dad and I laugh. When we do you
always say, "Funny" or "Awesome!"- which only makes us laugh harder. You love
your bunny, your frog and your blanket. All of which you have to be holding
tightly as you drift off to sleep. When you wake up I'll hear you giggling in
the other room. I'll watch as you hold bunny close to you and have a little
conversation. You'll laugh and laugh and say, "Bunny silly!" You swear the
pillsbury dough boy is a bunny, and will not be swayed from this belief. You
love music, especially if it has a good beat and will move your little body and
say "dance, dance" at every opportunity. You'll also ask often to play the
piano. You love belly buttons and always have to know where they are. You love
to sit on your new potty, and you've even "gone" a few times!
You are my little
helper as you put the wet clothes in the dryer for me, sweep the floor, wipe
down surfaces, pick up your toys, and the always unsettling bringing half full
cups off the table or glass plates from the dishwasher to me. Every time you
help you say, "thank you Zoe" because that's what I always say. Your obsession
of the moment is flags. Everywhere we go you know where all the flags are
located and will shout with excitement, "FLAGS!!!" as we pass them by. Your
favorite is the American Flag and I hope your love of flags will evolve to a
great love of this country as you grow older.
You are a very mellow child, but you definitely have a mind of your own.
Recently, you've been really trying to test your boundaries to see just how much
you can get away with. It's been a real struggle for me to remain calm and
realize that you're just acting your age. It's hard to see you crying and upset
when you want something you can't have now, or sometimes ever. It's amazing how
much some things mean to you. Yet, I know that you're learning some very
important lessons from your testing and I will continue to be firm because I
love you...and because the world is firm and you have to learn there are always
consequences to your actions and you can't always get what you want.
Mostly,
you behave very well. You have very good manners, which we do take credit for
teaching you, but know you've also learned your "greetings" and your "please's"
and "thank you's" from all the other wonderful people in your life. You are
very loving, usually giving hugs and kisses when asked and sometimes all on your
own. You can say, "I love you" and say it often, usually going through the list
of people that love you one by one. At night, after pajamas and a story, we'll
turn out the light and you will lay yourself in my arms and say, "Sweetheart?"
and Dad or I will sing "Goodnight Sweetheart" (something Daddy started) to you
before we get our kisses and hugs and you lie down in bed. This is my
favorite part of the day as it is the only time you'll be still and let me hold
you like the little baby you once were.
While your milestones constantly amaze me, it's been a little difficult for
me to watch you grow up so fast. I can't believe how quickly the time goes. It
won't be much longer until you're not the only little person in this house. It
makes me want to spend every waking moment soaking you up before I have to share
my attention. Our lives are going to change drastically when the new baby
comes. I think you might have a hard time adjusting to sharing the spotlight.
At the same time, you are kind and you love babies. I know you will adjust and
we will all find our new place in this family. I think, as you grow older,
you'll come to enjoy having a playmate. Though you'll probably fight, I'm
excited for you to experience a love only felt between siblings. You'll learn
to share, you'll learn kindness, you'll learn parenting skills,
protectiveness, how to respect your peers, service and selflessness.
These
lessons will come in handy to you in your life, not to mention the prospect of a
life-long friend. I want you to know there will be times that I can't pay
attention to you, that you'll want to play when I'm nursing, that you'll be
jealous of this new person. When you're feeling upset know that I cherish you.
You are my first born, the miracle that brought me out of my grief, my poor
guinea pig as I try to figure out parenthood, and the object of a love I didn't
know I was capable of until they put you in my arms for the first time. I'm so
grateful to have you in my life. I hope you always know that.
Love,
Mama
