You are 17 months old today. I have not written you a letter on your month birthday in some time but I figured with so much going on right now it is high time that I got down to business and tell you what you have been doing (because there hasn't been any lack of doing over here).
To sum up the last month, I am going to use a quote from your dad last night. Right before bed, he said to me, "she is a quick learner." And you are. Your Dad took about 10 minutes on Monday and taught you how to shake hands when saying hello to people. I tried it today with you and you didn't forget how to do it. Also, today, you turned on the vacuum cleaner when I wasn't paying attention. I NEVER have shown you how to turn it on but as I was getting something done in the kitchen, I was startled by the start of the vacuum. There you were with a sly smile on your face.
Did I also mention you became bilingual? Due to my illness this month, a friend's au pair watched you for a day. After spending a day with her and another little tot your age, you started using the word, agua for water. Funny thing is you never used the word 'water' before. I guess I need to sign you up for Spanish classes ASAP. You might be the only person in this family who is bilingual, we can only hope that you are smarter than us.
Your dad is hell bent and determined to teach you manners, especially saying "please," when you want something. It comes out as "peas." The best part is when you just say "pees" because you know what you want but you don't say anything in front of it. For instance, right before bed you still get some milk (which you call "milk-a"). When you know you are supposed to get it, you just say "pees, pees." Then your dad asks what you want and you will say, "milka pees." It is simply the most adorable thing.
The number of words that you know is growing day by day. I will admit that I might be the only one that completely understands what you are saying. Funny thing is your Aunt Heather use to criticize me for not understanding your cousin, Luke. She would translate what he was saying and say, "don't you hear him." The other night I had to do the same for your dad and said the exact same thing. Looks like what goes around, comes around. Your new word for today was, 'frog.' Even though I do normally know what you are saying, there is still times when you will string together many, many words where I have no clue what is being said. The upside is you sound like you are carrying on a conversation with me. The downside I wish I knew what you were telling me.
You love to tickle your dad and I. When you tickle us, you say, "tickle, tickle, tickle." This comes in handy during "Mae and Mommy Cuddle Time." An event I have started implementing into our day this winter. Right after dinner we go upstairs and hang out on our bed and tickle, cuddle, sing, and read. It is getting us through the darkest months this winter while having many laughs. Along, with tickling you are able to walk farther then you ever have. You love holding our hands when we walk and you have started saying "hand" when you want us to take your hand.
Along with all these things you love to sing. Ba, Ba Black Sheep and Wheels on the Bus are probably your favorites right now. It doesn't matter who is singing to you, you become memorized and will go sit on their lap so they can sing to you. You still love to read and right now The Little Engine that Could is in the rotation as your favorite. I think it is because you are really liking trains at this point.
Wow, I could go on and on and on about all the things that are happening, there are countless. The last thing I will mention is that you have taken to bringing things with us wherever we go. You insist on it. Turtie [turtle bath toy], doggie [pull toy dog], baby, and cat have gone on countless errands and car trips with us. Some times you don't have enough hands for all of them so you have to pick which two you want to bring with you. I find it pretty funny when the plastic dog comes to the store with us and you tell fellow shoppers about the doggie.
Everyone told me that the years between one to two is so much fun because so many great things are happening developmentally. I didn't 100 percent believe them. I figured nothing could be as exciting as the first year. I think I am going to have to agree with them and say that this year has been pretty remarkable. You perpetually surprise and amaze me how smart, funny, kind, loving, curious, and unique you are. My love for you grows more and more each day and I can't wait for the next day to begin so I can see what happens. Thanks for keeping life so entertaining.
Love you always, Mom
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