Letter to Peyton - 19 Months

Happy 19 month birthday little girl! This is your next to last "month-day" as an only child. Part of me feels as if I'm taking something away from you by having to split my attention between you and Parker when you've had my undivided attention for this long. But then the other part of me can't wait to see how fantastic of a big sister you're going to be! I hope you and Parker have as wonderful of a relationship as me and your Aunt Susan have. As your Neena always said "Friends will come and go but sisters are forever."

I can't believe it's been 19 months since we brought you home from the hospital. You've grown so much and you keep growing. Learning new things everyday that never cease to amaze us. I think KNOW you're destined for greatness. I swear that you know exactly what we're saying to you even if you can't speak the same words to us.

Look at how amazing you are:

• When we come in your room in the morning, you greet us with the sweetest laughter like the two of us just made your day and all we did was walk in your door. How do you have a bad day when each one starts so great?!
• Every morning we count your paci's as we put them back in the box (in a covert attempt to wean you from them). We count each paci as it goes in the box and it's so cute to watch you dive when you spot one and pick up your blanket to make sure none are hiding under there. The game is not complete until all are gathered, counted, and we've high-fived your accomplishment!
• You have learned to say the word "sit" and while saying it you'll pat the floor or chair in the exact spot you want us to sit. I've found myself sitting in the middle of the bathroom floor, a full 8+ months pregnant wondering how in the world I'm going to get myself back upright, but not caring because in that moment you wanted me to sit right there beside you, and I did.
• Your Daddy has been traveling more lately and each morning when you notice that he's not around, you'll call out for him over and over "Di-ee! Di-ee!" I know he loves that you miss him but it makes it that much harder for him to be away.
• You love Tanner with every little fiber of your being. Affectionately calling her "Bobo" and sharing with her whatever you're snacking on at the moment. Last night it was Fruity Pebbles and before that Cheerios. You insist on giving her her treat when we're on our way out the door and will make us give her another one if we forget that it's your inherited duty.
• You have 16 teeth already! Your Neena - the dental hygienist - was even surprised at how many teeth you've got this early. We have to play a game to get you to let us check and see how many you have where you think you're getting to bite us. Sometimes you'll manage a good chomp and then let out a little sadistic laugh as if you're thinking "Stick your finger in there again sucker!" You have an awesome sense of humor.
• You love being outside and your Daddy is thrilled about this! You couldn't care less what the weather's like out there - you just want to be out! I foresee many sweaty, summer days in the backyard and think we better start thinking pretty seriously about a swing set and soon!
• You love to dance! We often turn the radio on as soon as we get home in the evening for our own little dancefest in the kitchen complete with out-of-rhythm foot stomping, hand clapping, and arms-in-the-air circle-spinning! I love to see you dance - could watch you for hours actually.

I could literally write a list a mile long and still think of things you are learning on a daily basis. You amaze me. I love your heart, your independent streak, and how strong-willed you are (even when we're not seeing eye-to-eye on the dangers of climbing onto the kitchen table). I love the shrieks and laughter greetings I get every evening when I get home from work. It never gets any easier for me to leave you each day. And I know I drive too fast to get home just so I can see you as soon as I walk in the door.
I love you Miss Peyton Childress.

Love,
Mama