Dear Ben,
It hasn't quite been a month since your last letter because I was so behind last month, but here I am shouting from the rooftops on time that you are 18 months old!
This seems like quite a milestone, even though I'm not sure why. It just sounds important. Like it's in the same category as the big ones: 16 years you can drive, 18 years you can vote, 21 years you can drink, 30 years you are officially grown-up, and 18 months...well, you turn into a demanding, independent little man who can crawl on the furniture and drive his mama nuts in less time than the month before. It's big.
I am not sure if I can get across the differences in your little personality in such a short timeframe. I read a book that a friend lent to me about parenting a one year old just after your first birthday. It was all about how the age of 1 is one of the most difficult because of the child's need for independence and rapid growth paired with his inability to communicate. It warned that this "demanding" time would climax between 18 and 21 months and would likely cause both the parents and the child much stress and frustration. It made total logical sense, but I shuffled it off as something other parents have to deal with, like colic, or ear infections.
That was so not us. I read this as I stared at my sweet little 12 month old.
You were calm, laid back, advanced. Ha. Chalk it up to naive' 1st time mothering...because WE HAVE ARRIVED. Literally in just the last few days you have gone from an easy breezy, chatty, helpful, play by yourself 17 month old to this beast of a demanding, frustrated, repetitive 18 month old. You defy me, shout NO! incessantly, say mama until you get what you want, and I can hardly keep up with you.
Now, re-reading this it sounds like life with you is absolutely terrifyingly horrible. This is so not the case. You still are the smartest little boy I know. An 18 month old is supposed to be able to speak 8-10 words on average and when I start to count, I can make it up to 50 words you say with ease. You show love and affection freely with lots of kisses, cuddles, hugs, leg rubs, kisses and pats to the baby, petting cali, blowing kisses to all, neck nuzzles and opting for the lap always instead of the chair. You are so entertaining and still look to us for our constant approval, something that I hope if we continue to nurture will last well into the adolescent age. You make no fuss about being put to bed, you eat constantly and aren't picky, you love being on the go and travel well. You are one heck of a boy.
Usually so easy, so sweet, so funny, and so perfect.
We had such a fun month. It did rain for nearly 2 weeks straight which meant no outside time, but you were a trooper. We snuggled up with books instead and you found adventure in your own living room. A new favorite pasttime is running suicides in the living room. You will run as fast as you can, hit a wall, or piece of furniture and then turn around and run as fast as you can to the opposite side of the room. You repeat this over and over and your dad and I love to watch your little butt waddle as you run and how you hold one arm still while you pump the other arm to gain speed. Even while you are running you are grinning ear to ear, and glancing over at us to ensure our observance.
Climbing up onto stuff all by yourself is a new cool thing to do too. You look like you are King of the Mountain as you climb up on stepstools, toys, (or furniture if we aren't looking), and hold your hands up in the air like Rocky and squeal with delight! You do this until I say, "Wow, you're tall!" at which you reply, "YEAH!" and then climb down to start all over again.
You also learned how to
jump which brings you the most joy of anything a boy could ever dream of. With your mouth opened wide, you crouch down nearly touching the floor and then with all your might, shoot your body straight up, arms raised, into the atmosphere. When you land, you look as though you thought you literally might not ever return to earth...and now that you have, you just can't wait to try again. It's hilarious.
We travelled to California with Granny and Mimi Freda to visit Aunt Lala and Uncle Jess. It was a heck of trip and you were an angel. We had so much fun exploring Venice Beach where they live, playing with the Jacobs and Vanderbeeks for an evening and taking in the So-Cal lifestyle. You really enjoyed it and I can't wait to take you back again. We've also been busy throwing your future buddy Magic McCaslin a baby shower, eating junk food at the Arts Festival, helping Daddy study for his final (which he got a B on!!!), having another fun visit from Aunt Lis, and celebrating your Daddy's 29th birthday! Whew!
Even in the midst of all this fun, you've become quite the expert at saying "no". Most of the time it causes me to laugh because you are so expressive when you say it...however. There are moments. Moments when you are outright defiant. It has completely taken me off guard to see this decisive and adamant little man emerging. Not bad, just surprising. Fortunately, I can say that this excessive energy that you've had with all the climbing, jumping, running and expressive communication has led to a pretty worn out little boy come sleeptime. 12 hour nights and 2-3 hour naps are a pretty awesome bonus when dealing with a powerball of sass and pizazz.
Balls, books and cleaning supplies are still all the rage. You are quickly proving that these simple joys are around for awhile and not just some phase. This thrills me to no end as I imagine years of ball-games, quiet nights spent reading together, and a very clean room. At least yours...maybe I can get you to help with the rest of the house.
Your social skills have also completely taken off this month. The once shy, withdrawn and observant child is now the life of the party. You will hang out with anyone, you are really good with names (not a genetic gift), you chat up a storm, and you are no longer hesitant with others. It's wonderful! I can't tell you how special it is to see you building relationships with all these people who have loved you since before you were even born. For you to know these people, recognize them, want to be with them, and love them is such an amazing gift not only to them, but to your daddy and I too. You are surrounded with so many that love you and we hope that you always recognize this and return your love, time, appreciation, and respect to these people.
So, it's been a heck of ride my sweet little fireball. You are proving each and every day that parenting is a joyride. A roller coaster of emotions, an unpredictable journey, a crazy monsoon of tests and trials. The only thing I can be certain of is how much I love you. How much my world has grown since you entered our lives 18 months ago. How much you make each and every day an adventure that I can't wait to go on. I know it will be a thrill.
Love,
Mama
