Babies to the Max: 18 Months

Dear Sarah,

This is such a precious age to experience with you! You make me feel like a rock star when you come racing toward me and bestow a giant hug. Your soft arms cling to my neck as you squeeze me closer and closer, until you lean back to give me a smile and then go in for a second dose. That is the royal Sarah treatment!

Not to brag (but I will because I'm your mother), but I think you are very, very smart. You know body parts, can point to them on yourself and others, and try to say the words. Your vocabulary far exceeds your brother's at 1 1/2 years. At this tender age, you have already grasped the complexity of family relationships. "Maaaaaaax" is the first person you ask for in the morning. It is clear that Max, Mama, and Dada belong in the same cluster. Whenever Mimi is mentioned, you grin and say, "Baba!" You open the recordable storybook and recognize Nana's voice. It is fun to hear you making the connections!

Family is also important because you are practicing your mothering skills! You are a natural caregiver - picking the baby doll up, patting her back, wiping her nose, pushing her in the doll stroller, giving her your milk cup, and putting her to sleep. It is amazing for us to witness the inherent gender differences! Your brother had no interest in stuffed animals or dolls, but you seem to instinctively know how to act like a mommy. Seeing actual babies (or even children who are slightly bigger than you) is just as thrilling and you exclaim, "Bay-bay!"

Sarah, you are also a great helper. My organization skills were definitely passed along. You know where everything belongs - much more so than your Daddy! If I ask you to retrieve something, you can go straight to the place and get it out. Bonus points are earned for bringing Mommy's purse, Daddy's shoes, and Max's hat to their appropriate owners. Occasionally you need to try the items on for effect. Gangsta Baby!