Fifteen Months!

Dear Fiona: You are 15 months old!

The photo below makes you look quiet and reflective. This is not your normal state of being. You are a non stop firecracker of a kid as you edge out of babyhood and into toddler life. The only time I can get you to chill out is to nurse you. If you continue with this trend I'll finally wean you at age four, because I just want the chance to sit down.


Here is what you like to do: go outside in any weather and status of clothing, play with the dogs' food, climb on anything unsafe, throw down your food, read lots of books, hug the dogs, nurse while watching Dora, follow your brother around and take his toys, and play in the sink.


Here is what you do not like: sitting still, being confined, having anything taken out of your tight grip, a shut door, MIA Mommy, turning off the water, sharing a lap with your brother, and the wrong thing to eat.

On one hand, your growing independence is a delight. Your physical skills mean we can enjoy playgrounds and get outside as a family. Especially since you now have real shoes to wear. You can (sort of ) entertain yourself while I get something done, even if that something is a quick email check. I can ask you to get something and you just might do it.


On the other hand, you go into meltdown over the mention of a diaper change. You have a crisis because No You Cannot play in the sink/throw dog food on the floor/draw with that sharpie/climb on the TV stand/get out of the high chair until I wash your face. You are passionate in your displeasure and put up a mighty fight. You are also very persistent. I am reminded that this is an excellent quality in an adult. It's not so fun with a baby who just wants to stand on the toilet and play with lipstick is that too much to ask?


Sleeping is still a bit of a gamble. We finally got back into a good nap routine, and you've always gone to bed decently. Occasionally a bit of a fuss but nothing that 10 minutes of waiting won't fix. But sleeping through the night is not happening. I know that if I night-weaned you I might have more luck. But I'm just not ready for that. Plus, the more you nurse the more cupcakes I can sneak in. So sometimes it's good (five hours at a stretch) and sometimes it's not (five night wakings between 7pm and 5am). It is a bit funny to stumble into your room at 1:25am to your cries and tears, and the second you see me you halt mid cry and say, "Hi Mommy!" Yes, my dear, I'm happy to see you too.

You are sweet and beautiful and a force of nature. I just love being your Mom!
Love
Mommy