Nineteen Month Newsletter
11.16.2009 Nineteen months. Nineteen. Which, kinda sadly, is old enough where when we say "when you were younger..." it doesn't sound totally absurd. For example. When you were younger, I'd get you up each morning, change your diapers, and we'd make our way up the stairs, often you crawling up while I spotted you from behind. If you didn't want to, or if you got scared, or if you got tired, you'd stop, look up at me, maybe whine a bit, and I'd say "That's okay, I'll carry you". This was later abbreviated to "I'll carry." Now? Now, where ever you are, when you want to be carried, you come to us, arms raised, and say "I carry".
Also. When you were younger? We'd read Peek-A Who?
You are...
Explosive. Across grassy areas and pavement and wood floors. And into tears when your feet don’t stay beneath you, or when one of you whacks the other, or when we are firm in our expectations. And in your laughter that can carry me a whole day through.
Gritty. With the pastiness of water and sweat mixed with pulverized animal crackers. And of sheer determination as you strive for independence.
Diligent. In your mastery of new things like lacing beads. And in the requests to read your favorite mealtime books like Hush! A Thai Lullaby
Fierce. In the way you roar like a lion. And the love you share for each other, searching for one another when you are absent one from the other.
Clingy. On every word, filing into your memory, repeating. And like an octopus, limbs wrapped around our necks and waist when you don’t want to be put down. Times I am conflicted by the inconvenience of fifty five pounds impeding the things I need to get done, and stood still by the thought that sooner than we know, you won’t want to be carried at all.
Mericiful. In the softest tones of your “Amen” at the end of bedtime prayers. And in the way that you are letting us know the babies we once had have been replaced with full-fledged toddlers, us looking out from the eye of this storming into the new year.
Our hearts wide open,
Mommy and Matou
Reader Comments (6)
How precious!
you, my friend, are a gorgeous writer. what a love letter. you painted toddlerhood so well. i love your kiddos.
Poetically honest & heartwarming. The pictures are beautiful! I love how your little ones are dressed. Their outfits look mature but very much age appropriate at the same time; classic in style. Where do you shop for their clothing?
@Pilar - I love your name, beautiful and classic and spunky at once. As for their clothing, let me see...
We have been very fortunate to have been given tons of boy clothes from one of Jennifer's clients, parent to three boys, the youngest being 2 years old. Their philosophy is "if they can't wear it to the golf club, then it's not worth wearing" which translates to Mateo having some pretty nice quality clothing. When we buy new, we tend to buy at Old Navy, Target, TJ Maxx, Children's Place, Crazy8, and sometimes Baby Gap. But almost always on sale or clearance. Most of what we get, though, including shoes, is at garage sales or re-sale through my neighborhood group. I also sell a ton of stuff there, too. And because we buy used and resell so much, I can mentally justify spending more when there's that irresistable something or other at BabyGap or that oh-so-cute Peace & Love tee shirt Harper is wearing from Lucky Brand Jean's in the first photo. GrandmaG is a sucker for Gymboree so we gladly accept her gifts, like that little green dress Harper is wearing in the last photo.
I am amazed each time you write these milestone letters to see how much they have grown!! Very nicely said! Beautiful!
this is a beautiful blog. i'm so glad i found you! :)