Mother’s Day 2012: Life Lessons with My Little Lady

 

A YeYo’s Letter: It’s Toddler Time!

Dear Chocolate Chip,

Hi Boo-Boo! Over six months have passed since my last letter to you. I think that’s because I’ve been so busy trying to keep up with how quickly you’re growing! I finally took some time to reflect on all that’s happening. As a family, we’re going through a busy time. I work during the day and also at night (only once a week though) and daddy has class three nights a week. We have a lot going on, but as always, you’re our (and Nana’s, too) center and focus.

You took your first steps in January and just a couple of weeks later you were fully walking all on your own! I’ve watched the video of your first major triumph at walking so many times, if it were a tape, the black ribbon would be broken. I just realized that you’ll never know what a “tape” is, so I’ll have to explain it to you when you’re older. Watching you make such a monumental transition into toddler-hood still brings my heart so much joy!

I have to admit that I was a bit sad to see the last few elements of your infancy come to a close. But I look forward to seeing all the things you have yet to do! Talking is already one of your strong suits. It amazes me how many words you seem to learn with each new day. You’re great at imitating and your baby sign language skills are improving as well. “More,” “Please,” “Eat,” “Thank You,” and “I Love You” are some of your favorite words to sign and say!

At 16 months, you’re playful, energetic, and loving. You give lots of hugs and kisses and I melt with each one. My new favorite thing you do is when you call me mama (it always makes me fee so proud) and when you run up to my leg and squeeze it with all your little might. I love how kind and gentle you are.

You also have your moments of being fussy, impatient, and temperamental - as to be expected for your age. The words “no” and “stop” have recently made their debut into your vocabulary. There’s no turning back now; it’s toddler time! But Daddy and I pledge to be patient and teach you what boundaries are.  Hopefully you’ll thank us for it later.

We all had a rough time when your last set of teeth started to break through. You experienced slight fevers and a month-long bout with runny nose and congestion, but you handled it like a big girl. Thankfully the worst part of teething is over for now and you are definitely putting those new teeth to good use! Your appetite is a healthy one, to say the least. You still love yogurt (which you call “go-gurt), rice, chicken, and veggies. Oh, and bread (just like mommy)! And milk. The list seems endless!

I’m so happy to see you growing and developing in so many positive ways. It’s truly a blessing.

I fall more in love with you everyday, my sweet girl. Thank you for inspiring me in and helping chart my life down a course that would help me discover my greatest purpose. It is my pleasure to be your guide on this journey.

Until next time.

Love,

Mommy

 

Thought of the Day: Life & White Shoes

Have Toddler, Will Travel. Maybe.

As first time parents there are SO many things my husband and I have no clue how to do. The newest item on that list is how to travel with a toddler. I’m excited and almost petrified at the same time, to take our first family vacay.

Oh my word! There are countless decisions to make like:

Should we take her car seat with us? What if we check it and it gets damaged?

How will we manage her stroller, diaper bag, and luggage? I will say her car seat attaches to her stroller (see below), so that does make it a little easier. But still.

Should we fly at night? What if she doesn’t sleep on the flight? We don’t want to be “those” people with the child that stresses out the entire cabin of passengers trying to sleep. I mean, she’s cute and all…but that gets old real quick in a cramped airplane!

Snacks, diapers, activities…will we have enough?

Will we find enough things to do that will be family friendly?

Clearly I’m a bit stressed. LOL

What you can extrapolate from my ranting and worrying above is that we’re leaning toward flying at night and taking her car seat/stroller with us. We’re going to check it when we get to the gate and hold her on the plane, since she’s under 2 years old. We’re looking at Florida as our destination, so the flight would be about five hours.

I’m reading lots of sites with helpful information on how to travel with children. But I decided, why not ask all of CC’s cyber aunties and (uncles, if you’re out there) for tips, too?

So go ahead. I’m listening.

Please and thank you!