18 months old (The Mums)

Emmy is 18 months old today. A year and a half. This is the first installment of a few days' worth of celebrations that might even include photos and video. .



50 things we love about you, little 18 month old:

you have the most wonderful giggle in the world, totally infectious

the way you pull us both in simultaneously for a kiss, guiding our cheeks in so we both kiss you on the cheek at the same time

the way you need your blanket, your bunny AND your teddy tucked in with you at night...the cast seems to be growing weekly

the fact that you are the worst co-sleeper in the world - would it kill you to sleep vertically instead of horizontally across our pillows?

the way you push the stool up to the counter so you can get to anything you want to

The way we say "Emma, are you wreaking havoc?" and you say, with a small grin, "yeah!"

the way you fill in the "beeps" and the "hoorays" in Little Blue Truck Leads the Way

the way you proudly present your shoes when we go out

the way you label all the parts of the body

your nuzzles and schnuggles

the way you ask for "cheeries" (cheerios)

your beautiufl soft kisses

your focus and concentration when you're playing and determined to do something

the way you pour water on your belly in the bath and take a deep breathe in when it's cold

the way you hold your arms up and say "up!"

the way you fold yourself into our arms for a close cuddle

the way you studiously try to ignore us when we pick you up at day care (but then can't help checking to make sure we're watching as you show off your new tricks)

the fact that you have mastered the difference between 'mumma' and 'mummy' in time for your 18 month celebrations

the way you have "hungry days" when every meal is six courses long. Your favourite foods are edamame, avocado and yoghurt (your obsession with green foods continues, although brocolli has fallen out of favour)

the pasion and devotion with which you eat your blueberries

Emma walks. We love being lead.

the way you scavenge on the floor for bits of cereal or fallen blueberries, and how happy you are when you find something (a single semi-sweet chocolate chip that has fallen off the bench is your idea of the perfect hunt)

the way you insist on carrying your lunch box out of day care - it drags on he ground because it's a little too heavy for you but you don't give up

you constaantly amaze us with what you can do and the words you know

the way you open the bedroom door and head off on an adventure, before returning to the bed for a cuddle

the way you sit on the bench when we're cooking and watch what's going on

the way you wriggle backwards onto our laps for a cuddle and a book

your delight when you see a bus. or an aeroplane. or a puppy.

your delight when you see us. When we come in the front door, you race over to us to greet us and yell "Mumma/Mummy!"

the way you take yourself off with a favourite toy and sit in your cardboard box/car/boat/aeroplane for some peace and quiet

the way you giggle at the playground. You love climbing, swining and sliding. You're not a huge fan of sand.

the way you plant yourself between us when we're hugging

the conversations you have with us with a combination of our language and yours

the way you walk down the stairs, step by step. You are far too old to shuffle on your bum

your ability to find a dummy anywhere, even when we can't find one

your affectionate nature

your sense of humour. You love to initiate a game or a joke and you love it when we giggle along with you

the way you shriek with glee

the way you play your musical caterpillar (pressing blue for "Happy Birthday" while saying "birfday"

your fascination with balls continues

the way you touch the guitar and like to pluck the strings

the way you run now, faster and faster every day

the way you stomp your feet up and down and wiggle

your curiosity

the way you love being swung upside down and round and round

the way you know what you want and won't put up with second best

the way you try to make other kids laugh

the way you'll play by yourself, pottering around the room

the way you sit on our belly and demand "Row, Row, Row Your Boat" (you add the scream in the crocodile verse)

the way you like to push things in front of you and crash them into the wall

the pride with which you place your water cup in your stroller holder

the love you have for your stroller and how you need to show it off to your friends

the way you figure things out really quickly

the way you bounce up and down and dance

the way you tap us on the shoulder when you're happy

your toothy grin

your goofiness

your stubborness

the way you always rise to the occasion. You're very sociable but also seem to need time to yourself.

Your cuddles, your kisses, your affection, your love.

Your "you"-iness.

Well, that's way more than 50, and we could go on and on.


Emmy, we love you so much. Happy 1 1/2 birthday , little one.

Love,

The Mums