20 Months old

To my 'sunshine',

Madelyn you are 20 months old. You are starting to look more like a little girl than a baby, and I think you are the most gorgeous 20 month old I've seen. You warm my heart and challenge my patience within minutes. Papa introduced you to the world of Youtube videos and you love watching your favorite songs' music videos. 'Mary had a wittle wamb' is currently your #1 pick. You still love, 'Old McDonald had a Farm', 'Twinkle Twinkle', 'Ba ba black sheep' and the 'Wheels on the Bus.' For some reason, you have no idea that your mommy has a terrible singing voice and you'd prefer me to sing to you in the car rather than listen to the radio. You request a song and listen for about 1 millisecond and then request the next song. Maybe you do realize how off key I am?!

You started using adjectives and like to talk about how items are, 'cute', 'funny', 'beautiful', and 'crazy'. Every night you have to read Good Night Gorilla and Good Night Moon. You are using stalling tactics to prolong the time before getting into your crib, but thankfully you go to bed easily when mommy says it's time. You would eat macaroni and cheese every day if I would let you.

You have become an expert at your puzzles. You are getting better at labeling your colors all of the time. The other day you did five colors accurately in a row! You are working hard on learning your shapes too and you often name them correctly as well. You love to color and you look so serious as you work on each page. When you break a crayon, you ask mommy or daddy to 'fix it'.

Papa did a puppet show with your snuggle bear, baby, duck and 'Madelyn' chair. You have wanted to recreate this play every day since. We line the animals up. We give them milk (a bubbles container) and watch them fall down. You love to do this. Over and over again.

Your stuffed animals are still a big hit, and your crib is packed full. I don't know how you sleep with them all, but you keep a permanent inventory in your head and immediately notice if someone is absent.

I've been so impressed with how you interact with other kids. You are just starting to show interest in playing together. You share well. Last night you sat at a table during daddy's Christmas party pushing a car back and forth with a little boy. You and a two year old girl, 'Merit' took turns chasing each other around the room.

My heart is filled with love for you Madelyn. There's nothing greater than you wrapping your arms around my neck and giving me a 'big kiss.' I love you!

Love,

Mommy