Dear Charlotte,
How is it that
you’re already seventeen month old and will celebrate your half birthday next
month!? We’ve had a busy and fun month and you keep growing more and more each day,
and if it’s possible, you seem to get sweeter, too. I think back to what Anna
was doing at this age and wonder how I did it while I was pregnant with you;
you are a mover and a shaker! I know part of the reason you’re into what seems
like more is that you have more to get into and an older sister whose footsteps
you’re following, literally and figuratively.
You’ve turned
into a total busy-body and are into everything! I forgot how duplicative this
stage is; meaning that pretty much anything I do that’s in your arms’ reach I
do twice. I can’t tell you how many times you’ve emptied the bottom drawers of
your or Anna’s dresser, emptied an entire box of tissues or pulled out an
entire shelf of books; in less than a minute. You’re also a bit of a daredevil
and seem to give us a run for our money when it comes to exactly what you think
you can do physically. You love to climb up, crawl through, and maneuver toys
three times your size. You love to move things, anything, and I’m not sure what
to make of the obsession, but it’s hilarious to watch you wield a stool or a
small chair, or a box that’s definitely too heavy for you to carry around the
house. You have the typical insatiable curiosity of a toddler and although it
can be exhausting, it’s amazing to watch you explore your world and see those little
wheels turning in your head.
You’re obsessed
with blankets and don’t care that it’s the middle of summer, you need your
nigh-ney, and you need it NOW. You’re an equal opportunity nigh-ney girl and
although that means we’re not worried about losing your favorite one, it also
means that you want any and all blankets you see. Much to Anna’s chagrin, this
often happens when she’s using one to snuggle on the couch. You’ll go mobile
with a blanket once you’ve got a good grip and we seem to find them all over
the house after you’re in bed.
You are still a
big Mommy’s girl and perfected saying just that this month. You have a way
about adding a slight whine to the word that could melt anyone’s heart. Coupled
with the fact that you now walk up to me, tug on my shorts, and use your best
pathetic tone to say “Mommy, up,” I pretty much get nothing done when you’re
around; which isn’t a bad thing at all because I love your snuggles. You’re a
Daddy’s girl too and you two have a very special bond. You love to wave to
Daddy as he mows the grass and LOVE to stand at the back door and repeat “HI!!”
to him as he grills on the patio. You love how Daddy is rough and tumble and
can throw you high into the air and you really like going on scooter rides
around the neighborhood with him now that you think you’re a “big girl.”
You are loving
summer! You ask to go on a “walk” every night, are perfecting the word
“outside,” and I’m pretty sure you’d live outdoors if you could. By “walk” you
mean being pushed in your little red car and you’re content to take in the
sights and sounds of the neighborhood while being pushed around for as long as
we’ll walk. Anna loves to get in on the action and take a turn and the only
thing that will get you out is a barking dog (you love puppies, but now when it
appears they’re barking toward you). You also love bubbles, balls and sidewalk
chalk when you’re outside and never miss a chance to pet a puppy as they walk past.
Developmentally
you’re close to being done with teeth as you cut your final two this month.
You’re ahead of schedule in that regard and I couldn’t be happier as you’ve had
a rough go of it with teething, seeming to get 2-4 at one time and a case of
the fussies. You’re a smart girl and remember everything! You’re also smart
enough to start with the girly-drama and recently put on a hilarious show of
fake crying when I wouldn’t let you walk down the stairs standing up. You’ve
come into your own at school and are now one of the older kids in yoru class,
which means you’ll move to a new room in about a month. I’m anticipating a
tough transition because you love your teachers, especially Ms. Denise. And she
loves you back! Most days you’re glued to her hip and she’s more than happy to
oblige the extra snuggles. You do really well at daycare, sometimes better than
at home when it comes to eating; and you have no problem taking killer naps
while you’re there.
You’re sweet on
just about everyone you come into contact with and that’s the first thing
everyone notices about you, your sweet and gentle nature. There’s nothing more
heart-warming than your little head resting on my shoulder, and you have a way
about grabbing the back of my arm with you little hand, just so, in kind of a
pat, kind of a grab, to let me know that you’re looking to be comforted. I hope
that you always feel safe in my arms and although I know that you’ll cry on the
shoulders of others, I feel honored that I’m the one wiping your tears and
enjoying the privilege of your embraces right now.
Love,
Mom
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