Addison Sophia: 19 Months

Dear Addie:

We are another month closer to two, which seems impossible to me. Aren't you still the little tiny newborn we just brought home from the hospital and had no idea what to do with? No? No, you definitely aren't. You barely seem like the same girl at times. You are my forever growing and changing girl.

Although you are still fond of handing me books and whatever else you find, you are finding more things that keep your interest. You are figuring out puzzles more and love those stacking rings. We recently got you a toy kitchen and you spend a lot of time playing with it. But with the nice weather these days, we are spending more time outside. We have a tricycle that you love to play on. You also love the new swing set that Grandma and Papa just built for you, plus a sand and water table. You definitely love swinging. I actually have trouble getting you away from swings. I'm pretty sure you can sense a swing from miles away.

Lately you have been a mama phase. You still love your daddy. How could you not? But you tend to prefer me lately, which is okay. I like all the hugs and snuggles. You tend to have meltdowns if you are playing with your daddy or he is getting you ready for bed and I walk by without stopping to sit with you. It's a little exhausting but I should appreciate the phase while it's here. You might hate me when you're a teenager one day. Let's not think about that.

Although you have taken a couple of independent steps, you still aren't walking by yourself yet. You are getting more confident however. You are more willing to walk just holding on to one hand. Your balance has improved so much. You no longer lean forward when you walk. You can stand by yourself even though you don't think you can do it. You are definitely more sure on your feet but you still aren't quite there yet.

You are starting to speak a bit more. Recently you have said: silly, good, that, Stella, water and you started to say book. Or at least what sounded like the start of book. It's slow going with the talking and you don't do it a lot, but you are learning to communicate more so that's definitely good. It's still extremely hard to understand you but you are definitely talking. You understand a lot better than you talk right now. Not that you always listen and follow directions but you understand what I'm saying and sometimes it gives you hesitation before continuing to do whatever you not suppose to be doing. But you are 19 months and you are still exploring so there's that.

Beyond on that, not much else has changed. You are still my amazing sleeper. You still eat anything and everything. You have gotten quite good at temper tantrums, and I have gotten quite good at ignoring them. When you start throwing one, you get put in our temporary "time-out" room. I put you in the dining room where you scream and cry and roll around the floor. Once you're done working out your issues and have calmed down, you come crawling back and we move on.

You are stubborn, hard-headed, and determined. You drive me crazy sometimes and completely wear me out all the time. But you are pretty awesome. You are sweet and beautiful. As it turns out that I'm pretty fond of you. I love watching you grow and explore. You are an amazing little girl. You just keep on being you. I love you so much, sweet girl.

Love, Mama