Tag Archives: memories

Dear Zoe,

It doesn’t seem possible that I’m writing you a 19 month letter. A letter that tells me we’re only 5 short months away from your 2nd birthday. I can’t help but think of the new baby when I think of your birthday. They’re going to happen back to back, it makes this pregnancy seem so short.

I look at you and I can believe, with every fiber of my being, that you are 19 months old. As I write this you are wearing your purse, pushing your shopping cart around the house. In the shopping cart you have a baby doll, a balloon, books, and old junk mail. You keep adding to it every few feet. I never really know what you’re going to come up with next. And yet, at the exact same time, are you really just a few months away from turning 2? That seems so old. So “big girl”. So…. fast.

Actually, this whole toddler stage seems to be moving pretty fast. Just a few weeks ago you were still only saying a few words and now you’re adding to your words every day. For some reason, I think you’re tricking us with what words you say. For instance, you won’t always answer with a verbal “yes” to something, but you can say the word “Gorilla” almost perfectly. Honey, “gorilla” is a 3 syllable word. So is “Avery”, which you also say. Occasionally, we’ll ask you to put 2 words together and you do it flawlessly…. when you want to. I think that’s the key, you have to want to. Right now, you don’t really have to talk to get your point across, you are a master at non-verbal communication. Oh, and while you might not talk as much as other kids your age, you’re a genius when it comes to cognitive understanding. I swear you understand 95% of what I’m saying to you, which is a little bit scary.

As for other developmental skills, you seem to take to some and not care at all about others. Blocks, for instance, you could care less about. But every time that I get an itch to make sure you’re “on track” and ask you to stack some blocks you do it effortlessly and then walk away. The other day I gave you an animal test that I didn’t think you were old enough for, and you didn’t miss a single one. We don’t do much of that stuff around here, mostly because I just figure that you’ll pick up on it when you want to pick up on it, and if we read books all the time then you’ll be smart. Right?

Every now and then I see you use your imagination, maybe with a tea party or sharing fake food with us. It’s fantastic, and I can’t wait to see where your imagination takes you in the years to come. I hope that you have a very active and healthy imagination, full of adventure and fun ideas! In real life, you are loving your “baby” more and more each day, meaning all of your baby dolls. You freak out with excitement when it’s time to paint something. You color at your little table every day. In fact, on our recent road trip you were the most excited about your new notebook and new crayons. It kept you entertained for minutes on end.

Physically, you’re stronger than I ever imagined. Yesterday you tried to flip over a lawn chair in the backyard. The chair itself isn’t actually very heavy, but it’s big and bulky. Mommy told you that you weren’t big enough, but you just grabbed the chair and started lifting, no hesitation whatsoever. You got it halfway up and then couldn’t figure out how to move it the rest of the way, so I helped. But, I was crazy impressed with your strength. I see you lifting things rather than pushing them all the time now. Sometimes I wonder if it’s a developmental stage, and other time I think you just enjoy doing it. Either way, I think you’re amazing. Although, I will say, that because you can move the dining room chairs now I have found the contents of my purse emptied out and the table even more of a mess. So, thanks for that. =)

Temperament wise, you’re one of the coolest kids I know. In fact, maybe the coolest. You’re remarkably friendly and entertaining, even to strangers. You’re still incredibly laid back, although we have encountered more than one of your meltdowns, it’s to be expected at this age. You have opinions about everything, always have, and I love seeing that. I want you to grow up to have a mind of your own. You’re still incredibly obedient and love to please. On the rare occasion that I’ve had to actually discipline you, it breaks your heart. Really, you completely lose your mind. It’s definitely made me very picky on the times that I decide to put you in time out. Most of the time, a stern look or word does the trick. Can you do me a favor and keep that tenderness well into your teen years? It would help out so much!

Your favorites: Hemmingway, your entire extended family, Jasmine, seeing Daddy at work, music, music, music, wrestling with me or Daddy, tickle time, Elmo, reading anything, playing outside, your boys – Jed and Elijah, the zoo, fish, Baby Einstein, Finding Nemo, playing on your drums, bubbles!

Not so favorites: when you’re trying to communicate and I don’t understand, when you fall during one of your crazy physical feats that you’re always trying to do, when Jasmine runs away from you, when Hemmingway takes one of your toys, sharing with friends on playdates (you are definitely an only child), getting your hair put into pigtails

Stats: You’re about 25lbs, 33 inches long, wearing 18 month clothes and moving quickly into the next size up, size 4 diapers, size 6 shoes {!!!}

My darling Zoebear, I’m going to soak up the next 6 months that I have with you and you alone. I feel so protective over the next few months because I know that soon our lives will change forever, and my relationship with you will change forever. It’s going to be good, real good, but I’m going to cherish every second that I have with you as my only child. I love you with all of my heart.

To the moon and back,
Mom