Dear Nicholas,
You are seventeen months... which, as I'm posting this a few weeks late, means you are amazingly close to a year and a half. You are a full fledged toddler now, and despite wearing me out everyday, I just love this stage.
Your 17th month began just before Memorial Day and lasted through most of June. Although it was a quiet month for us at home, you were a busy boy-- growing, changing, and learning. The day you turned 17 months you figured out how to climb up on the ottoman in your room for the first time. It took you a few tries, struggling with all your might to get your leg up over the edge and then hoisting yourself up. But once you did it, you were so proud. And then you did it over, and over, and over again. I can tell there's no stopping you once you set your mind to something. (And, as a result, I'm a little nervous about entering this new stage of climbing!)
One funny thing about this story is that you made your first few attempts while Daddy was in the room with you. Then, when you heard me walking down the hallway, you abruptly stopped and jumped into his lap, as if you didn't want me to know about your new skill. Once you figured out that I wasn't going to scold you, you went right back to work trying to climb up on top of the ottoman. Apparently you can already tell that I am destined to be the disciplinarian around here. You may look innocent, but you definitely have a mischievous streak!
During your 17th month, you also started giving and requesting "igh-pie" (high five.) I had given you high fives a few months ago and then one day you grabbed my hand and said "igh-pie! igh-pie!" It took me a minute to figure out what you wanted, but once I did you were thrilled to slap my hand over and over. Now you give them on demand (including to your teacher at school) and it's pretty darn cute.
You continue to wow us with new words. On Memorial Day, we woke up to find our street lined with flags in the neighbors' yards. You were so excited look out the window and point out all the "fyyygs." Daddy and I were shocked that you knew the word "flag." A few weeks later, on Flag Day, you had another occasion to point out all the neighborhood "fyyygs," and you continue to point them out whenever you see a Texas or US flag. You are extremely observant and point out every "fowa" (flower), "fyg" (flag), and "wot" (rock) you notice from the car, on our walks, or in the yard.
You are becoming more and more of a big boy every day-- so much so that you've outgrown "mama" and "dada." We're now officially Daddy ("Da-ee") and Mommy ("Mon-ee"). OK, so maybe "Mommy" needs a little work, but you're getting close! Pretty impressive for not quite even a year and a half!
Over the past two months, we've started eating dinner together as a family more and more frequently, and I think this is really helping to broaden your palette and alleviate some of your pickiness. You still have your moments, but increasingly you'll try new fruits and vegetables (strawberries and green beans are favorites) when you see Mommy and Daddy eating them, and we've discovered other hits like shrimp and guacamole ("mo-nee.") Your consistent favorites include "wo-guh" (yogurt), "pata" (pasta), "pita" (pizza), apples, cheese, and "ah-sauce" (applesauce). I'm looking forward to introducing you to more and more foods, and hopefully cooking with you one of these days.
This past month, your lower incisors finally broke through. I think it was a long, painful ordeal for you. As usual, you handled it pretty well, but I'm sure it contributed to some fussy moments. You continue to chew on your fingers, so I think you are working on at least two more molars. I'm pretty sure we'll both be glad when the teething phase is over.
At 17 months, you love reading books-- particularly "Bah Day" (Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day), "Al-bet" (your alphabet book), and "Truts!" (the cars and trucks, work trucks, and fire trucks pages of your Richard Scarry word book.) You also love spending time outdoors, particularly splashing in the pool and kicking your ball (really any ball, although the soccer ball is your favorite.) You are actually getting pretty skilled at kicking the ball and will dribble it around the house and in the yard. Although we don't really let you watch any TV, occasionally Daddy will let you hang out with him while he's watching soccer on TV. It's really the only TV programming that holds your attention-- you will sit down for several minutes at a time (an eternity in your world), watch with rapt attention, and excitedly point out the ball every time you see it. "Ba! ba! ba!" I'm not biased or anything, but we may have a little soccer stud on our hands. Just sayin'.
I'm not sure how it's possible, but somehow I love you more with every month that passes. You are simply the best part of my day, each and every day.
Love always,
Mommy
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