I love who you are right now

I needed to write you today.

One, because I don't do it nearly enough.

Two, because I know I will feel this way a number of times in the future (because I already have felt this way) but I needed to say: I just love who you are right now.

I will always love you. Always. But there are bound to be ages/stages that I adore. This is one.

You're almost 18 months. 18 months?! I can't believe that. In such a short time I have come to know and love you more than as if I had known you my lifetime and then some.

You are a little girl now. My little tiny baby is gone and a little girl has emerged. This little person who continues to grown and astound me each and every day.

I am biased, but I know that you're brilliant. You look at the world with such wonder and curiosity and you pick it all up. You repeat everything but you're not just repeating, you know.

On the way home tonight, after you had finished your granola bar, you ever-so-sweetly said "momma, more granola bar please". I smiled, and silently giggled at your brilliance. Not many 18 month olds say sentences that make sense, let alone make sure to use their manners.

Initially, I explained we had no more. You said "no" and then whined a little and then repeated your polite request.

I don't like to give in to you all of the time but I caved this time.

I write this to you so you know just how much I delight in you but also so I don't forget.

Watching your personality grow, seeing you become your own little person, it's seriously the most amazing thing I have ever been witness to.

You're kind, sweet and so smart. You make sure to say goodnight to Lilo and the fishies. You randomly give Lilo pets throughout the day. You LOVE to help me do anything but particularly move the laundry from the washer to the dryer. It takes so much longer but the look of pride on your face when we're finished is worth ALL the extra time and them some.

I hope you'll always enjoy helping me, even half that much.

You don't let me put you to bed right now, not if daddy's home. I let it hurt my feelings at first, but the genuine hugs and kisses you give me before he takes you up serves as a reminder to me, that you love me, but sometimes a little girl needs her daddy. I take sincere comfort knowing you have an amazing bond with your daddy and I know his heart glows when you'll only go to sleep for him. It might not always be this way, so we both have to enjoy it for what it is.

Lastly, because this could go on forever, you have the BEST laugh. It's cute and sometimes kind of sneaky and it never EVER fails to bring a smile to my face. You need to know, that so many times a day your dad and I will both see or hear you do something super cute and we both just look at each other with such love. I'm sure we're both thinking "could she be any cuter?". We are so blessed to be witness to all you're showing up. You made us parents almost 18 months ago and  you've taught us was true love is every minute of the way.

I love you sweet girl...

"I love you"

Well it finally happened, you said "I love you".

Okay, It was "I" then some mumbling and then "you" or "ew' but close enough for me. Close enough to have your dad and I beaming with love and pride, eyes filled with tears.

You are such a sweetheart (I say that a lot, it's only because it's true).

You're walking has improved so much, I'd say you're trying to walk most of the time and can get pretty far without falling. It's amazing and strange to see you changing so much and becoming more of a toddler and less of a baby (you're still my baby, like it or not).

I love you so much sweetgirl and now that I've heard you say it back, I know it's something I will never grow tired of.

mommy xoxoxoxo

You little ham

You've been such a ham the past few days. You are smiling non-stop and the giggles happen a few times a day. You think I'm hilarious! Haha

You've rolled from your belly to your back a couple of times! It's not consistent yet but you keep trying. 

It is amazing to see all the changes and how chubby you're getting!

Grandma Leslie and grandpa watched you on Wednesday so mommy could go out for dinner. You cried a little after I left but then fell asleep. When I came home you were all smiles! You definitely recognize your mom and dad.

You sleep most nights in your bassinet but last night you were upset at bedtime so you got to come into bed with mommy and daddy. You slept from 10:30 until 7!!! I think you just like to cuddle!

I love you sweet girl