June 17, 2011
Dear Nicky,
It seems like 18 months was a developmental milestone. Suddenly you seem more like a little boy than a baby boy. You went from a handful of words before your half birthday to dozens by the end of the month. It’s so much fun for all of us now that you’re talking a bit. Unfortunately somebody at daycare taught you how to say “go away” and overnight it became your very favorite thing to say instead of “no”. I can’t say that I love hearing you say it but I can tell it feels very empowering for you. Another new favorite word is “cold” which you say with a little shiver. You love to open the freezer and stand in front of it saying “c-c-c-c-c-cold”. As cute as this is, I have to admit I’ve stooped to making this one of the points where I draw the line. There’s something about seeing a freezer standing open for minutes on end that makes me need to close it. Needless to say, you are not a fan of this compulsion of mine and mini-battles ensue.
This month has been all about cars and trains and busses and anything else that rolls around on wheels. Our drive to and from school is all about spotting as many moving treasures as possible. As soon as you see a bus or something similar you say “woah!” and stare and/or wave, then as soon as it’s gone you say “my?” (which along with your baby sign language motions means “more”). I love that you expect me to be able to pull another bus or train or whatever out of my back pocket at your slightest whim. I guess part of the job description for a parent of a toddler is to be omniscient. I’ll keep working on that.
You’re really starting to show signs of learning to count. You always use the same sequence when counting: “five, two, three…” Sometimes you throw a six in there, but that’s as far as you can get for now. You love it when we count things in your books. Some books we read just so we can count the flowers or leaves in the pictures. We count them together and then you crack up like it’s the funniest thing you ever heard. You’re starting to recognize some letters too (“B” in particular). It’s amazing to me that you are grasping such abstract concepts! Daddy and I are so impressed with you, but are realizing that everything you learn is somewhat bittersweet because it’s one more thing that you won’t have to learn again and we won’t get to teach you again. You’re just growing up so fast! I can’t wait to see what the next months will bring.
Love, Mommy