Happy 18 months Kensley!

Dear Kensley, Yesterday you turn 18 months old. I remember before I had you that I always hated when you asked a mother how old her child was and they would say 18 months. Why not just say a year and a half? Why did they insist on stating it in months? Then I realized that every month in your life is a big deal. You were 12 months, then 14, then 17 and each one brought so many new things that summing it up as a little over a year just doesn't cut it. But for all of those people who want me to respond she is a year and a half now, you are officially a YEAR AND A HALF. I certainly know that when you are this age that half is a very big deal. Because for some reason when you are young you are in such a hurry to be OLDER. Let your momma tell you a little secret- SLOW DOWN! These are the best years of your life! You have a personal maid, cook, chauffer and well, someone wipes your ass for you. IT DOESN'T GET BETTER THAN THAT. But since I know the half is such a big deal we bought you a cupcake to celebrate. I couldn't help but think how different you look from just six months ago when you ate your first piece of cake at your birthday party. Your hair is longer and your face looks so much older. My little girl is growing up. You don't just look different either. There is so much more that you can do. You couldn't walk at your birthday but now you are running. You can climb stairs, you can take a broom and sweep my kitchen floors. I really like that last one. Saturday you finally got another tooth. This brings your total to a whopping five teeth. At this rate you will be eating applesauce and milkshakes until you are seven. Unfortunately, no one will want to trade with you at lunch in elementary school. Applesauce just doesn't cut it for a twinkies trade. You are a baby of few words. Don't let that deceive people though. I am talking few actual words anyone can make out come out of your mouth. This is not for lack of trying. You babble from the moment you wake up till the moment you go to sleep. The important thing is you babble with such conviction. You know exactly what you are saying and someday soon so will the rest of us. And Lord help us then. Right now you are still into every Pixar movie ever made. You love to look at your books and have mommy and daddy read them to you. You love puzzles, blocks and your little peoples animals. You have a mini broom, mop and swiffer and you tote them around with you and clean. You LOVE to be outside and playing. The other day we took you to the park and you lost it when we had to go home. You are still a great eater. Your favorite foods are brocolli, green beans, peas, tomatoes, black beans, chicken noodle soup, raspberries, strawberries, blueberries, bananas and pineapple. You gobble up spaghetti. Alright, really you will eat anything we put in front of you. I hope that never changes. As I sit here typing this I can not believe that you are already a year and a half. I still remember how it felt when you rolled around and kicked in my belly. I remember the first time I held you and I feeling I had never seen anyone so beautiful and perfect. I remember the car ride home from the hospital and those first few magical days with you. I remember your first smile, when you rolled over and started to sit up. I rememember you starting to crawl, then stand and eventually walk. I am sure these are all things that I will never forget even when you are all grown. Your daddy and I want you to know that these 18 months have been the very best of our lives. We can not wait to see all you can do in the next 18 months. We love you Punky. Love, Momma