mommy in the midwest: 15 month letter to my big boy: a photoblog

Dear Theo,

So, so much has changed since you turned one. Your life is completely different and you have learned and accomplished so many things. I can't help but smile when I watch you shakin' your tush to music, especially that silly Mickey Mouse Clubhouse show you love. It's so cute to watch your face light up when you hear the familiar music and see the characters.

12 months

I also love telling you to stop, sit, and scoot when you approach a step down. You are figuring out how to keep yourself safe at times, but other times you have no regard for danger. You know that the stove is hot and when food is hot. It's funny to hear you say "hot" and then blow on the bite. You can say lots of words and you'll try to repeat many on your own time but you can be pretty stubborn when we are trying to get you to do something or show off.

One of your favorite things to do is to ride all around the neighborhood in the wagon Grammy got you for your birthday. All we have to say is "wagon" or "outside" and you high-tail it towards the nearest door. You always look so serious in the wagon, taking in all the sights and sounds around you. I think you'd stay in that wagon for days. Every time you see it, you point and your mouth goes that excited little "o."

You love books. You love looking at them, interacting with them, and having someone read them to you. You have some favorites but you're not too picky. You've also started playing with pull toys, like your alligator, xylophone, and telephone. One of my favorite things about you right now is that you understand so much more every day. We can tell you "go get your alligator" and you will do just that. You will also throw trash in the garbage can when we ask you to.

13 months

You're friendly and you love it when people interact with you. Sometimes you will pretend to be shy when someone new or unfamiliar comes to our house but you always wave and grin to strangers at the store. What's that about?

Easter 2011

Your appetite changes as much as you do. One thing has always been consistent - you love green vegetables. I hope you always like healthy foods. You used to gobble down yogurt and grilled or baked chicken but now they don't interest you as much. You don't care for noodles. You sure don't want anyone to feed you, but you haven't shown much interest in using utensils yet. In other words, mealtimes are messy around here. You are great with all kinds of different cups now, and do really well drinking out of a straw. You only drink water and milk for now, but one of these days we'll have to let you have some juice. Just promise you'll keep drinking water and milk too, okay?

14 months

You're getting so big now!

Oh yeah, I guess we should talk about your baby brother. He is almost four weeks old and there have been some highs and lows for you since baby Dexter showed up. Undoubtedly, it's confusing for you. Sometimes (more often than not), you just want to hug him. Well, your version of a hug is to suck your thumb and lay your head down on the object of your affection. Sometimes you pat him on the head gently. There have been a few times when you have been too rough with Dexter, like when you threw that shoe in his face and the times that you have slapped him on the head or face when I thought you were reaching to pat him. I hope you aren't trying to hurt him. I think you are just trying to figure things out. I know it especially hurts your feelings when we sternly tell you "no" and it has to do with Dexter. I'm sorry, but you've got to learn that he is small and you are so much stronger than him...stronger than you realize. Overall, I think you love your baby brother and that you'll be incredibly close one day.

"hugging" Dexter

I know it's confusing when I can't stop feeding Dexter or put him down when he's upset to play with you. I have redirected you to daddy, grammy, nana, pop pop, and other grown ups at times when you wanted me to read you a book or take you outside. There are probably times when you think I don't care or love you as much as I did a month ago and that breaks my heart. Because you know what, sweetie? You're wrong. I will always, always love you more than I did the day before. You're my first baby, my first child, my first toddler, my first son. You are the one that taught me how to be a mommy. You will always be so special to me and we will forever have a precious bond. I promise you that - and I don't take promises lightly.