20 Months

Dear Nora,

You are upstairs napping while Luke is at preschool and I want to try and take a snapshot of your little life at this stage. Your personality and communication have been growing and developing so much over these past few weeks and it's been so much fun to watch.

You love to talk and will mimic any word I give you to say. You love to point out what things are: couch, shirt, chair, shoes, socks, cheet (cheeks), teeth, etc. You know how to ask for something when you want it, too. You love to watch Daniel Tiger with Luke and will say "show, cat". When you're hungry, you have no problem letting me know you'd like a "snat" or "chee-yos". You even say "pees" and "tanks". You love to say "no", even if the answer is really yes. When it's time for bed you will run to find Daddy and Luke for hugs and to say "nye nye". One of my favorite things must be watching you and Luke hug and say goodnight before bed. :)

You are understanding so much more than you are saying, too. Last week when Honey was visiting, I called from upstairs for Luke to put his shoes on and Honey said you immediately ran over to where your shoes are kept by the door. Later I called to Luke that Daddy would be home soon if he wanted to watch and you immediately ran over to your perch at the guest room window to watch for him with your big brother.

Ryan told me Sunday that your teacher, Sam, said you are learning to stand up for yourself, too. Apparently your friend Knox will take your toys, but now you walk right up and take them back. He told her you get lots of practice with that at home! It used to be that if I heard you cry when playing with Luke in the other room that Luke had taken your toy. Now it may be that, or it may simply be that you want Luke's toy. I have to be careful not to make assumptions and try to really assess what's going on.

You still love to be held and cuddle with Mommy. Most afternoons after your nap (which is still almost always too short), I will come downstairs and just sit with you on the couch while you snuggle in my lap with your bear in hand. There are often so many other things I could be doing, but I love this time with you.

You absolutely love being outside and we have been spending lots of time in the backyard while the weather is nice. You just like to run/frolic/skip around, pick up and drop the balls, and will ask me to blow bubbles. You seem a little scared of the bubbles when they come toward you, but you also find them delightfully entertaining. Last week when we got out Luke's t-ball set, you wanted to play, too. We tried taking turns, but you just did not get the concept and wanted the bat all to yourself, so eventually we just went inside.

I love your spunk, your sweetness, and your happy personality and am so thankful I get to spend these days with you!

Love,
Mommy