On His Own at 15

Dear Max,

At 15 months, you are independent, determined, and a miniature adult. You love to imitate Mommy and Daddy and seem to understand everything. We can't get away with anything now because you are too smart for us!

Your favorite bathtime game is "Together-Apart" in which we snap the sea creatures together and then take them apart (it's very complex). Not only do you try to do it in the tub, but also with the seat belt on your stroller and car, toys, and food. You are fascinated by how things fit together and will search incessantly for an object if it disappears - even flattening yourself on the floor to look under furniture and pulling up the edge of the rug to peer underneath. What truly amazes us is that you know the sequence of events. For example, after washing your hair in the tub, you pull on the drain plug because you know it is time to get out. You take your diaper to the trash can to throw it away. You bring your shoes to us when you are getting dressed and reach for your coat before going to the back door. When you see the cats by the food dish, you go to their food bag and try to get it out for them (thus endearing you to Bean since the way to his heart is through his stomach).

 

We have been incredibly fortunate to have over a week and a half of truly beautiful weather. The temperature soared into the 70s and you could not have been happier. We played outside for hours and you discovered how fun the park is now that you can walk. Each day, I had to drag you back to the house and you would wake up the following morning begging to go outside. Sometimes we took 3 walks in the same day! It makes me so excited for spring and summer, although it has certainly been a difficult transition back to winter for all of us. 

Max, you love to wrap up in things, but recently you've started putting them around your neck. I know you want a bowtie like Daddy, but it does scare us a bit. You wrap ties, ribbon, a stuffed snake, and blankets around yourself, which means we always have to keep an eye on you. Max, you had your first serious injury this month. While playing peekaboo with the bathroom door, you slipped and hit the metal trashcan causing a horrible bruise on your cheek. Mommy has never felt worse, although bumps and bruises seem to be an everyday occurrence. Cars and trucks (real and toy) have become your current obsession and you will race to the window to watch them go by. 

Amazingly, our love for you continues to grow. It can still bring a tear to my eye when you crawl into my lap to read a book, get a kiss, or have a quick snuggle. We thank the Lord everyday for the precious gift of you!

Love, Mommy and Daddy