Hey my sweet baby girl,
This month I went to Africa to meet your brother(s) and the time apart from you was so hard on me. You are my best little girl! But Daddy, Mimi and Meredith took great care of you while I was gone… and I hear you and Mimi had lots of special dates together. I bet you enjoyed all the extra special time with Daddy, too. I know he loved every minute he got to spend with you.
Before I left, you spontaneously pointed to a picture of a turtle and said “tuh-tull”… I almost fell out of my chair! I had maybe mentioned that word a couple times, but you must have picked it up mostly on your own. You are so smart! While I was gone, you learned the sign for “more” and now you are very willing to tell us anytime you want more of anything! It’s so cute that I’m finding it even harder to tell you no! You are saying so many words now, and copying so much of what we do and say. You shake your head and say “no”, or nod your head for “yes” now when we ask you questions. It’s amazing how much you understand and are able to communicate with us. You also name things in the room like “a ball” and “a bow.” You can point to and identify almost anything when asked. When you don’t know where something is or know the answer to a question, you put your hands up with a puzzled expression and look around. It’s hilarious! You’re such a little chatterbox… and now the chattering is becoming real words and thoughts. It’s crazy! But when you think it’s getting too loud, you will put your finger over your mouth and make the “shhhh” sound. So precious! And now when we put you to bed and we are saying our prayers, you even make prayer hands and bow your head. Talk about making some hearts melt!
And you are still our little lovebug. You love to give hugs and kisses to anyone who will take them. Everyone always comments on your sweet spirit… Of course, you come from us, so you have some major spunk and sass when you want to! But deep down, you are the sweetest little thing ever. That is such a blessing!
Yesterday you tripped over the bathroom scale and had a major collision with the edge of the door. Your face slid all the way down and you had a boo-boo from your forehead to your chin… You had to go to Baby Olive’s party with a big scratch, but you were still the most beautiful baby ever. It’s getting better, but it scared Mommy half to death. You are such a trooper though- you only cried for a minute and then quickly got distracted with fun stuff… You’re such a big girl!
I am relishing every single second I get with you, Pres… It won’t be long before I go back to Africa and return home with the rest of our little family. After that, it won’t just be you and me anymore. I can’t imagine loving any child as much as I love you, but I know that God will just expand my heart even more. Thank you for teaching me how to love more than I ever thought possible. You are the light of my life, truly. You bring immeasurable amounts of joy to everyone around you. You are so, so, so special and I absolutely adore you.
Love you,
Mommy
