19 Months

Dearest Leah,

This has been a lovely summer so far. It's been astonishing to realize just how much you understand. Every night when we get ready for bath time we strip you down to your diaper in which ever room you have been playing in, then I pick up your clothes and hand them to you and tell you to go put them in the hamper. You do so gleefully, while doing your best to keep them in your arms while teedering down the hallway to your room. It's so fricken cool. 

Your hair is finally starting to fill in, but you will not for the life of you allow me to brush it or put a barrette in it. You twist and scream and cry when ever I even think about pinning your hair back on one side. And DAMMAT you look so cute with it... Oh well.

It was tutu hot to wear clothes

Food! Your momma tends to get in food ruts. I guess it's because I can eat the same thing over and over for weeks and not mind. But I forget that other people don't always feel that way. So recently I've gotten a little more experimental with your foods. While I whole heartedly plan to keep you from most processed foods, I have given in to a few small indulgences. An.nie's Mac & Cheese (it's organic, and has less sodium than Kra.ft) I usually add peas or broccoli to it, and you don't seem to notice one bit. Though I will say you are pretty good about eating your vegatables anyway. I buy a large bag of frozen chicken tenders from costco and you eat practically every day. Until recently I'd just been baking them in a little olive oil with garlic and oregano. But just recently I've started baking them with diced (unsalted) canned tomatoes. YOU LOVE IT. I also throw in some basil and garlic with a pinch of Parmesan. Yum. One other convenient indulgence has been - gawd I hate to admit this - toaster waffles. Sometimes gluten free, sometimes regular. I know they are not the worst thing in the world, but I've just been SO anal about keeping processed foods out of your diet, it seems a little blasphemous now. But they are SO easy, and you love them with a little (natural) peanut butter on top.  I also started making you quesadillas. Cheese is one of your favorite foods, (you are your mother's daughter after all) I usually add chicken and broccoli, or whatever veggie is already cooked for you. I throw a little cumin and onion powder in with the cheese then add the chicken and broccoli and top the outside with a little butter and garlic powder. You seem to like this one pretty well too. 

 You always drink out of the side of your mouth while in your highchair, 

like you're throwing back a brewski...

I guess it's clear to see what a large role food plays in my life. I wake up in the morning so I can get up and eat. Conversations around the table with my family have always been centered around the latest recipes. So in 11-12 years from now when your teenage mind takes over and you hate me and your dad, I hope that cooking is still something you and I can do together. And your dad will remain the taster.

 You have this weird little habit of sorting some of your food into the cup holders on your highchair tray. Sometimes it's your veggies, sometimes, your fruit. But at every meal, 

you find something to set aside...

We usualy go for two walks a day, but my favorite one is our evening walks that we take right after you finish dinner. We clean you up, then plop you in your wagon You have typically found some toy or object to bring along for the ride. We get Molly on the leash and stroll around the neighborhood. You just always look so content on this particular walk, with your little gansta lean on one side of the wagon. It's ADORABLE. 

Clapping with Auntie Jenn!

Anyway my love, you are cute and cute and can be, and just seem to have the sweetest little soul. And I feel so absolutely blessed to have this time to get to know you. 

Can't wait to see what the next month brings

 Love, 
Momma