19 Months

Dearest Fiona: You are 19 months old!

We took you and your brother to The Enchanted Forest last weekend. Daddy and I hadn't been there since our childhood. We had fond yet vauge memories of anamatronic dioramas, live fairy tale plays, and some awesome slides. We also had childhood memories of being forced to go places yet not being able to do what we wanted. For example, going to the fair (Yeah!) to look at animals (OK, that's sort of fun) but not get any treats (sniff...) or ride any rides (bummer) and be expected to enjoy the packed peanut butter sandwich while being dragged to the quilting display (not on your life). We have decided that if we are going to take the time to go somewhere awesome, we are going to do awesome all the way. So Patrick and Daddy got expensive bracelets and rode big rides for almost 3 hours. You, my sweet, are not big enough for roller coasters. But you loved the displays that sang and danced. You pushed lots of buttons. We lingered at the Hickory Dickory Dock singing clock for at least 10 minutes. You had a fab time. Mommy tagged along, grateful that Gramma could join us and share Wandering Toddler with me. Daddy owes Mommy, big time.

You just keep growing, and I'm really enjoying watching your interactions with the world get more sophisticated. I think that your biggest teacher is Patrick. You just have to do everything he is doing! Like most siblings this close in age, you alternate between playing beautiful games together and pushing each other off my lab with hysterical screams. If I might be frank, you are quite a snot about it. I know when you are pushing his buttons, Miss 19 Months.

You are such a riot with a wicked sense of humor. You giggle and laugh as you and Patrick come up with the most ridiculous and unsafe games imaginable. Like sliding off the back of the couch or trying to topple each other in the bathtub. Your nose wrinkles like mine and your sweet front teeth pop over your lip. Yesterday you kept finding stuffed animals to dance on top of your letter blocks. Today after dinner you pushed your milk cup around in a toy dump truck, and then you and Patrick used sand box shovels to pour water out of the dog bowel. Hysterical, at least in your eyes.

Things you love: running around, playing outside, the swings, snacks, books, and Bear." Things you don't love: being strapped in something for your own safety, sharing Mommy's lap, weaning, and leaving preschool while Patrick gets to stay.

You are so crazy big and smart and adventurous! I just love every inch of you!
Love
Mommy