23 Months

Dear Sarah,

I continued to write monthly letters to your brother up to the age of two because it felt like so many changes were still occurring each month. The same was certainly true for you, and I marvel at how much you develop within four short weeks. March is always a transition month: winter to spring, cold to warm, bare trees to flower buds, and now this month we are officially transitioning from my little baby to my big girl.

The vocabulary of the second child is remarkably different from the vocabulary of a first-born. We laugh at how often you say, "Look, Mama!" or "Watch this!" or  "That's mine!" or "Let go!" which are clearly phrases you have learned from your older brother. "Blast-off!" is another term that we didn't hear from Max as a one year old. Your verbal skills amaze us. By far your must used statement is "I don't like that!" Finally after almost two years of development, you have your own catchphrase instead of using Max's! It started with the desire to look at pictures on our phones (all the time) and you pointed at the phone and forcefully said "MacBaby!" Next it became the request to view pictures on the computer, then to ask if you were to accompany Max outside the house, and now it has morphed into your favorite way to tell us to obey your commands.

Look, Mama!

We probably need to install a lock on the pantry door. Your favorite food list is very similar to your Babba's diet: milk, pretzels, ice cream, cheese and crackers! But at least you say, "Milk, please" with an adorable smile. You go to the refrigerator to peruse the selection and walk out of the pantry with your hand inside the box of crackers. Even leftovers aren't safe with you!

Eating the remains of Big Brother's lunch on the way home

Max remains your favorite playmate and the two of you have started making your own fun when Mommy is occupied. Although worrisome at times, I try to give you leeway until someone starts crying or shouting. However, no one is more important to Bay-bay than Mommy. Daddy has developed a complex about your desire to always be with Mommy and my neck has a permanent kink from hauling your limp body to and fro. Even separations for work or the church nursery have become difficult. I adore the extra attention, but clearly this phase needs to pass before there is permanent damage!

Building a wall to the pantry

Who really needs the helmet here?

Your hair is very reflective of your personality - untamable! Those crazy curls fly all over the place, tightening up into corkscrews when it rains and fluffed into a huge pouf when you get out of bed. On most days nothing can restrain them...or you! But other times, as you snuggle close or lean against my chest, I can see the way they delicately frame the curve of your ears and neck and it reminds me of how gentle and sweet you are. I drink in those moments like wine. You will always be my baby.

You are a treasure. We love you immensely. MacBaby!

Love, Mommy