Kaitlyn's Eighteen Month Letter

Kaitlyn,
Sometimes I wonder how I ever got so lucky. You are nothing short of delightful. Being with an eighteen month old little girl, in my mind, is one of the sweetest experiences in life. Each day I watch you discover more and more of the world around you. One of my favorite aspects of being a mother is seeing the world through a child's eyes. Watching your fascination over spotting a fish or the moon helps me marvel at the simple miracles of life and have gratitude for seemingly small, often forgotten, beauties. 

I watch in awe as you grow and learn at a rapid rate. It's incredible to me that just a few short months ago you weren't walking or communicating well. Now you're racing all over the place and although your language is coming along slowly, you're still able to communicate well in other ways.

• You are fiercely independent and shake your head vigorously if I try to spoon food into your mouth. You'll grab the spoon yourself and proudly do it all by yourself.
• We have successfully (cross our fingers) taken away your bottle this week. Even though you have drunk out of regular cups for some time, specialists suggested we let you keep your bottle a bit past one year to help your growth.
• The other day you walked over to your crib and signaled that you wanted to nap. I dreamed of having a baby that slept willingly but never experienced it until you came along. :)
• You make animal sounds, say "dis" (this), "mo" (more), and yell "MAMA!" but only when you're mad or need something.
• You love playing with Skylie. Even when we think Sky is being too rough with you, you're laughing in glee.
• You still often get compliments on your eyes.
• You've learned how to throw tantrums and do it in royal style when you choose to.
• You love reading books, taking baths, playing in the tent and with play dough, stacking blocks, coloring, and attempting to do anything and everything your big sis is doing.

We love you more than ever, Kaitlyn, and I feel honored to claim you as my daughter.

Love,

Mom

Our Christmas

This post is coming a month late, but better late than never, right? Here's our Christmas celebration in pictures and video.


Christmas Eve Dinner with Friends

We reenacted the nativity story. Here's some of the angels.

Christmas Morning At Home
We spent Christmas day opening presents, playing with the new toys, and watching movies. I always worry when picking out gifts for my kids. Will they like it? Will they get bored of it after a couple of days? It's been a month now, and I'd say this year I nailed it! (Santa did bring Skylie and Kaitlyn a tent that seemed too small, so Matt quickly talked to him and Santa sent a more spacious one pronto.)

Ten inches of snow fell on December 26, making it possible for Matt to have one more day home from work. Nice timing, Jack Frost. Thank you.

Christmastime is always so exciting to me. So many things to do, places to see, and activities to explore with the kids. I love the lights, the decorations, and the pure magic of the season. I try to keep life simple and not to put any pressure on myself to give obligatory gifts or treats or take on too many commitments. Despite my laid back approach to the season, it can still be exhausting at times. As excited as I was for Christmas to come, I'm also equally glad to have it over with for another ten months.

Rain Gutter Bookshelves

My mom seemed a little unsure when I told her I'd spent the Christmas money she'd sent for me on buying rain gutters. To show her that the gift really was cool, here's some pictures of the rain gutter bookshelves I made a couple weeks ago for the play area in our loft. I followed this tutorial. With a five dollar hack saw and a borrowed drill this project was completed in a couple of hours. My book-loving daughters relish these.

Mom, you deserve a "thanks" for the sewing skills you somehow managed to teach me. In Primary we're spotlighting each child throughout the year. When they're the star for the day, they get to wear this cape during Sharing Time. Such a simple idea, but the kids are loving it!

Thanks, Mom and Dad.

From the Mouth of Skylie: Identity Crisis

Skylie singing "Santa Claus is Coming to Town"

I fear Miss Skylie may be having an identity crisis! At least half the time she's barking and referring to herself as puppy. Whenever she wants to get out of a task, her opt-out excuse is that "puppies don't do that".

"Aren't you glad Santa brought you a puppy for Christmas? Woof!" (Referring to herself, mind you.)

While attempting to lick my face:
"Puppies give wicks for kisses."

"Puppies don't stand up."

"I'm not a girl, I'm a puppy!"

 "You wanna pet the puppy?"

*****

She's also said some pretty funny non-dog related stuff lately:

As I got into the shower:
"You have a big bum. And Daddy has a big bum, but me and Kaitlyn have widdle bums."

 Perturbed that we hadn't received more snow: "Heavenly Father didn't make it snow!"

In her best "mom voice" while pushing Kaitlyn in a riding toy: "I'll push you if you are patient."

Skylie": "I'm going to be a mommy when I grow up."
Matt: "When you're a mommy, what will Mommy be?"
Skylie (with a sly grin): "A nana."

Me: "Daddy gave me this rice cooker for Christmas."
Skylie: "I want a rice cooker, too! Then we can match!"
Skylie (to Matt): "When I grow up I'm going to have a wice cooker wike mommy. And I'll dwive."

*****

Kaitlyn and Skylie are starting to interact and play together more lately. They'll give each other hugs--Skylie wraps her arms around Kaitlyn's head, and Kaitlyn squeezes her tiny hands on Sky's booty. It's nothing short of adorable. They holds hands and run around in a circle until they fall into a heap of laughter.

 
Skylie and Kaitlyn playing before bedtime