things not to forget

little bean....  you're almost 19 months!  how/ why does it go so fast?!  you are amazing & i find myself wanting to pause time & always remember you just as you are at this time.  i do want you to grow up, but it's bittersweet.  i will love all the ages & stages you pass through, but it does go by fast....  :(

-you are so loving, you give so many hugs....  you come up to me & give me hugs, you hug the animals in your books, you hug your friends (& some are even starting to hug you back!)
-you love it when we say no.....  it seems to be your motivation, to get mom & dad all worked up, laugh & keep doing more of whatever it is we want you to stop doing....  annoying for us, but also hard to be upset when you're so giggly
-you are constantly exploring, you are not afraid, you are super brave & strong & if you get hurt, you don't let it stop you from trying (please always keep these qualities)
-your hair has really started growing!
-you brush your own hair & teeth & like to help get yourself dressed & undressed
-your communicating skills are improving....  you're not saying many more words, but you listen & respond very well to what we say & you have your own little sounds that confirm, question or disagree with us when we are talking to you....
-you love bubbles & are really trying to figure out how to blow
-your always busy, busy with the magnets, busy with your scarves, busy with mommy's flip flops, busy with daddy's wallet, busy with the amelie dvd case (what is it about that one, huh?), you want to understand, play with, explore everything!  i love that about you!
-you are silly, you put random things on your head or up to your face & look at us to make us laugh

there are so many moments that are just so amazing!  you my dear are amazing, you are the light in our lives, you make us so happy.....  we love you!

playing with sidewalk chalk paint we made

grinning on your slide

click here for a link to an article that captures the idea of wanting to freeze time but ultimately letting go to grow.....  a beautiful read.

here's a video of you laughing at dinner....  you had started making these funny faces where you open your mouth real wide & giggle, you're a total goof ball!!