Happy 16 Month Birthday, Liam!

Dear Son,

As you are sleeping tonight, you’ve turned into a 16 month old.

It’s odd to think you are “that old” and being a mom is still so new to me. I guess every stage of your development is new, so I will always feel inexperienced at each thing that comes along.

I remember only 4 months ago I was stressing over what to feed you, when to wean you and how soon you’d sleep through the night. I feel more sure of myself now, that you are okay to take your time on these things. That I am okay to take my time on these things. You are only this young once.

I always knew you were bright, but this month you’ve shown me how intelligent you really are. Your memory is solid. You know what I am saying, you tell me what you need (or just plain want). Your mind is working overtime to absorb everything that happens around you.

I got a glimpse, Friday morning, of how much you know, what you expect from me and others in your life. Our routines didn’t seem like routines to me until you actually led the way on Friday.

I was astounded!

I just couldn’t express or share my joy fast enough! All I could do was hug you, praise you and laugh with delight that I got it… I got the fact that YOU get it! I felt and continue to feel such pride that you understand even things I hadn’t been giving you credit for. The fact that you don’t verbally communicate doesn’t even matter. You make yourself known in other ways. I have a sneaky feeling I will be shocked and amazed when you do start speaking. To imagine that I’ll rediscover even more of what your mind is capable of… Wow… I may be found speachless at your speech…

As you know, I need to report other things in this letter. You have mastered two puzzles. Yeah, the ones that say 3 and up. I was very pleased and impressed! I guess practicing puzzles since before you were one paid off. Now I need to start reading to you more so you can read in a couple months… ;)

Your very cautious nature blew away in the last snow storm we had. Just over a week ago you started bolting forward and launching off of any elevated surface. Each time you fell, you laughed. I was warned by Daddy that I needed to stand close, but not to interfere. I didn’t like seeing you do what you were doing, but I was glad to have a wise soul tell me that you need your boundries to learn. As long as you were laughing, I was okay.

You have a bit of a shoe facination. It’s been going on for a little while, but I don’t think I’ve reported as much in previous letters. We had to hide the cowboy boots you’ve outgrown because you bring them to us and we have to argue with you that they are too small and we can’t put them on you. The other night you found one boot and insisted I put it on you. Your heel was wedged in the middle of the boot, but you didn’t care. You limped around the house very proudly.

I gave you your first hair cut yesterday. You sat so calmly on the couch watching Baby Einstein. I think you thought I was just soothingly playing with your hair. I was surprised you never noticed the snip snip sounds. Your new do turned out better than expected!

Liam, I love you very much. You are such a unique and wonderful person. Watching your every move gives me more joy than I can express. Your mild nature is something I need each day. Your kisses give me endurance on the tough days. Your perfect face makes me smile at every glance. I am so fortunate you are mine!

Love,
Mom